Lake Region—Three students from Peterson-Warren Academy in Inkster, Mich., were named local winners in the 39th annual "America & Me" essay contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.
The three students, who earned the first-, second- and third-place awards for their school are Shelby Palmer, Regina Gray and Brianna Anderson, respectively. All three received award certificates for their achievement. As the school’s first-place winner, Palmer's name will be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school. Palmer’s first-place essay advanced to the state level competition, from which the ten top essays in Michigan were selected (read Palmer's essay online at www.lakeunionherald.org).
The top ten statewide winners, announced in April, received plaques, cash and a U.S. savings bond valued from $500 to $1,000. In addition, the top ten essayists were honored at a banquet in Lansing where they met with Michigan’s top governmental leaders.
A team of finalist judges, which include a top Michigan government official and the sponsoring teachers of last year’s top two statewide winners, determined the ranking of the top ten statewide winners this year.
Several thousand eighth grade students from more than 500 Michigan schools participated in the 2007–2008 "America & Me" essay contest, which was conducted with the help of Farm Bureau Insurance agents across the state. The topic of the 2007–2008 contest was "My Personal Hero."
Started in 1968, and open to all Michigan eighth grade students, the contest encourages Michigan youngsters to explore their role in America’s future. As sponsor of the contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge.
Juanita Martin, Ed.D., principal, Peterson-Warren Academy
First-Place Essay by Shelby Palmer
"Someone I know? A hero? Those words have no relation?" I thought to myself when my English teacher, Mrs. Gray announced we had to do an essay on a personal hero. A hero can mean a lot of different things. I think all people can agree a hero is naturally a person, but what person? What qualifies a person as a hero in your opinion? As I thought to myself, the names of relatives that I am very close to came to mind, but my sister's name stood out.
My American hero is my sister Sherelle because of what she's done for others and me. Sherelle has done well academically and has also helped those who need it. She graduated from Peterson-Warren Academy in 2004, and is now in her senior year at Oakwood College, in Huntsville, Alabama. When she graduates from college, she plans to get her masters in Social Work. I think she chose this field because she enjoys helping others. Last year, she participated in a program called Girls Inc., which is a program for young girls who are in trouble, need tutoring, or just want/need a place to hang out. Sherelle enjoyed helping the girls in spite of the fact that there wasn't any pay. Whenever she comes home on a break from college, she helps my father with his Adult Foster Care homes.
To me, Sherelle is the best sister anyone could ever ask for. She is always there to help me when I'm in trouble. Whenever I'm wrong, she's there to let me know and to show me how to correct it. Sherelle is a great influence. She never does anything that she wouldn't want to see me do. My sister gives me hope. Although she changed her major in her sophomore year of college, she still managed-and is- going to graduate on time. This motivates me because it tells me if you have God on your side, all things are possible. Although Sherelle and I are eight years apart, we are very close. I consider her to be my best friend. She has helped me become a better person. She gives me advice that helps me mentally, spiritually, and physically. Sherelle helps me realize things that will help me now, and later on in life. Not only is she a great sister to me, but a great friend, niece, cousin, daughter, and granddaughter to those she knows.
Sherelle has a fun and inspiring personality. She gives an [aura] that no one else can give. Everyone can be in a bad mood, but when her personality hits, humor, and joy take over. I don't know what I would do without her. Although Sherelle is only 21 years old, through all that she's done for others, and me, she's still managed to keep a close and personal relationship with God. I think that's most important. I love Sherelle, my sister, my American hero!
