By Staff
Three Dowagiac Middle School students Tuesday were named local winners in the 38th annual "America and Me" essay contest sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.
The three students who earned first-, second- and third-place awards for their school are Devon Ownby, first; Shannon Keene, second; and Heather Mollett, third.
All three received award certificates for their achievement.
As the school's first-place winner, Devon's name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.
DMS participation in the America and Me contest was sponsored by local Farm Bureau Insurance agent Jeff Neumann.
Devon's first-place essay advances to state competition, from which the top 10 essay in Michigan will be selected.
The top 10 statewide winners, who will be announced in April, receive plaques, cash and U.S. savings bonds valued from $500 to $1,000.
In addition, the top 10 essayists will be honored at a Lansing banquet, meet top Michigan governmental leaders and be the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game dedicated in their honor.
A team of finalist judges that includes a top Michigan government official and the sponsoring teachers of last year's top two statewide winners will determine the ranking of the top 10 statewide winners this year.
Several thousand eighth grade students from nearly 500 Michigan schools participated in the 2006-07 America and Me essay contest, which was conducted with the help of Farm Bureau Insurance agents across the state.
"My Personal Hero" was the topic of the 2006-07 contest.
Started in 1968 and open to all Michigan eighth grade students, the contest encourages Michigan youngsters to explore their roles in America's future.
As sponsor of the contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.