For Michael Espejo, senior at Clarkston High School, John Hancock left a big a mark on history as the Declaration of Independence.
Espejo’s insights into his impact on modern issues earned him a $2,500 scholarship from John Hancock Financial, in their 2008 Promise of America Scholarship essay competition.
“My mom heard about it from a co-worker and I just ran with it,” said Espejo, son of Manny and Kim Espejo of Independence Township.
“We’re very proud of Mike and his accomplishment,” Kim said.
The competition was open to all high school students in the Metro Detroit area. Espejo was chosen as one of six finalists, the only one from Oakland County.
“I wrote about John Hancock’s ideas of self sacrifice and standing up for what you believe in and applied them to the modern day,” Michael Espejo said.
“I like history. I like writing.”
On Friday, Feb. 8, finalists presented their essays to a panel of nine judges, including Dan Mulhern, Michigan’s First Gentleman, and John Hancock Financial’s Senior Vice President James Gallagher.
Judging was at Greenfield Village in the Eagle Tavern.
First prize was $10,000, second place was $5,000, and runner up prizes were $2,500.
“It’s an honor,” Espejo said. “It will help a lot.”
He has been accepted into the Oakland University Honors Program for fall 2008, and plans to study journalism.
“I like the ability to reach so many people by writing,” he said.
He joined his school newspaper this year, so far covering issues such as parking fees, breathalizer tests for pedestrians, music, and people.
“I love it ? it’s great,” he said. “It’s fun. I really enjoy it.”
He also plays guitar, a hobby since eighth grade, volunteers with the high school’s SAVE Club to promote recycling and environmental issues, and works as a page at the Independence Township Library.
“It’s a nice working environment there, plus it’s great to have so many books at my disposal,” he said.
The environment is a key issue in his essay.
“Ride a bike instead of driving a car,” he said. “Recycle. Spread the word.”