For the past 41 years, State Farm Insurance has sponsored the annual ‘America & Me? essay contest, which asks Michigan eighth-grade students to write about their American heroes, especially the people who have made a big difference in the students? personal lives.
In October, 19 of 170 Goodrich Middle School eighth grade students participated in the contest, which asked students to write specifically about their personal Michigan hero. Prizes include certificates, plaques, medallions, and ten cash awards of $1,000. The state’s top 10 finalists earn a trip to Lansing to meet with lawmakers, attend a Lansing Lugnuts game as a special guest and have lunch on the Michigan Princess Riverboat on the Grand River.
Eighth grade English and Language Arts teacher Dawn Robb said students were given the option of writing the essay for extra credit.
‘The top response was one-on-one time with their hero,? said Robb. ‘The common-thread students wrote about were special times that made a change in their life. For example, a dance teacher that helps students master a new step or the grandmother who takes a child bowling, or teachers that spend extra class time one-on-one to learn a math skill.?
The only professional athlete mentioned in the 19 essays was Livonia native Michael Modano, the all-time goal-scoring and points leader amongst American-born players in the NHL.
‘It’s very encouraging,? said Robb, a teacher for more than 12 years. ‘As students get older, they realize and remember who taught them to ride a bike or learn something meaningful’one-on-one. The private times are so important to youth.?