Eighth-grader Martha Schaller, of Dowagiac Middle School, was recently announced as one of 10 statewide winners in Farm Bureau Insurance’s America and Me Essay Contest.

The theme of the annual contest is “My Personal Michigan Hero.”

“I feel very good about the future of Michigan when I see what fantastic young people we have in this state,” said Farm Bureau Insurance CEO Jim Robinson to the winners.  “You are an inspiration, and all of us at Farm Bureau Insurance are very proud of you.”

Schaller’s essay earned seventh place in the state, out of nearly 4,000 essays submitted by students from nearly 400 Michigan schools. 

Schaller is the daughter of David and Sarah Schaller, of Dowagiac. Schaller received an engraved plaque and a $1,000 cash award during awards ceremonies in Lansing on May 17. 

Eighth graders from across the state participated in the 48th annual contest.

Open to any eighth grade student in Michigan, the America & Me Essay Contest was developed in 1968 to encourage Michigan youth 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.

The top statewide winners and their parents and teachers were treated like visiting dignitaries during the awards day in Lansing on May 17.  Activities started aboard the Michigan Princess Riverboat, where the winning essayists were welcomed by employees of Farm Bureau Insurance. 

They then proceeded to the State Capitol Building. There students met with John Walsh, director of strategy for Gov. Rick Snyder, in the Governor’s Ceremonial Room and received certificates of recognition signed by Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.  Next, they met with Mike Senyko, chief of staff to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who presented each winner with a congratulatory letter. 

The statewide winners were also the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game at Cooley Law School Stadium, where they were honored on the field in pre-game ceremonies.

The festivities came to a close at Grand River Park aboard the Michigan Princess Riverboat where the winners attended an awards luncheon.  After lunch, Jim Robinson, CEO of Farm Bureau Insurance, presented each winner with their plaque and cash award.

Final ranking of the winners was determined by a panel of VIP judges comprised of Farm Bureau Insurance CEO, Jim Robinson; contest founder, Jack Stucko; and a teacher of one of the 10 statewide winners in last year’s contest. Below is a complete list of the 2016-’17 statewide winners:

First place: Maria Cheriyan, Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills

Second place: Bradley Holmes, Newaygo Middle School, Newaygo

Third place: Annelise Fluit, Plymouth Christian School, Grand Rapids

Fourth place: Lindsay Ripple, West Middle School, Plymouth

Fifth place: Ivy Stoller, Grand Rapids Montessori Public School, Grand Rapids

Sixth place: Karter Slayton, Capac Junior High School, Capac

Seventh place: Martha Schaller, Dowagiac Middle School, Dowagiac

Eighth place: Olivia Merkle, Trinity Lutheran School, Monroe

Ninth place: Paige Catlin, Swan Valley Middle School, Saginaw

Tenth place: Madeline Beattie, Trinity Lutheran School, Clinton Township