There are heroes among us, and soon eighth graders will get the chance to write about their personal heroes in a chance to win the My Personal Michigan Hero contest.
A collection of previous student’s essays have been compiled into a book, My Personal Michigan Hero, which will be handed out to Michigan schools to introduce Farm Bureau Insurance’s 48th annual America and Me Essay Contest.
Each year, several thousand eighth graders from nearly 500 Michigan schools enter the patriotic writing contest, which encourages youth to write and think about those who have made a difference in their lives and they consider to be an American hero.
“For nearly 50 years, the America and Me Essay Contest has recognized the creativity and accomplishments of Michigan students across the state,” said Lisa Fedewa, America & Me Essay Contest coordinator. “At Farm Bureau Insurance, we’re proud to support the continued achievement and inventiveness of eighth graders as they share their own unique perspective on heroism.”
This year’s contest is being held September through Nov. 14. Sign-up kits will be set to schools throughout Michigan in early September. It is open to any eighth grader enrolled in a public or private Michigan school, and offers a variety of local and statewide awards.
The first-place entry from each school is entered into the statewide competition from which the top 10 essays in the state are chosen. Each top 10 statewide winner receives a $1,000 cash award.
The top 10 essays and authors are honored in a day-long ceremony May 2017 in Lansing, where they will meet the state's top elected officials, be honored in pre-game ceremonies at a Lansing Lugnuts Minor League baseball game, and attend an awards banquet aboard the Michigan Princess Riverboat.
To read highlights or learn more about the America and Me contest, click here.
