Three Nouvel Catholic Central Middle School students have been named local winners in the 51st annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The three students, who earned top awards for their school are, Lydia S, first place, Peter S., second place and Giorgio F., third place. All three received award certificates for their achievement. As the school’s first place winner, Lydia’s name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.

Lydia’s first place essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top ten essays in Michigan will be selected. The top ten statewide winners, who will be announced in April, will each receive a plaque, medallion and a cash award of $1,000. In addition, the top ten essayists will be honored at a banquet in Lansing, meet with some of Michigan’s top governmental leaders and be featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game, dedicated in their honor. Each school placing a student in the statewide top ten, will be awarded with a $1,000 check.

Several thousand eighth grade students from nearly 400 Michigan schools participated in the 2019-2020 America & Me Essay Contest, which was conducted with the help of Farm Bureau Insurance agents across the state. The topic of the 2019-2020 contest was “My Personal Michigan Hero.” Lydia should take great pride in advancing to the state level competition.

A team of finalist judges, including a top Michigan government official, as well as the sponsoring teachers of last year’s top two statewide winners, will determine the ranking of the top ten statewide winners this year.

Started in 1968 and open to all Michigan eighth grade students, the contest encourages Michigan youngsters to explore the greatness of America and its people. As sponsor of the contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.