INDIANAPOLIS (February 28, 2013) - As part of the 2013 celebration marking Indiana's Agriculture Appreciation Month in March, six Hoosier students were selected for their winning essays in the 3rd Annual Ag Essay Contest titled "Our Food, Our Farmers: Nourishing Generations of Hoosiers." For the 2013 competition, students in grades 4-12 wrote essays on the following prompt:
- Describe how Indiana farmers nourish 1) our families, 2) our animals, and 3) our earth (soil). Please provide an example from each of the three areas.
On March 5, all winners will be recognized by Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, secretary of agriculture and rural development during an Ag Appreciation Month luncheon reception and special presentation. The ceremony will take place in the Statehouse North Atrium at 11:45 a.m.
"Congratulations to all who participated in the essay contest and highlighted the many ways Hoosier farmers excel in providing for others while protecting our natural resources," said Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. "I look forward to recognizing our winners March 5 and the kick off of our Hoosier Agriculture Appreciation Month."
More than 500 students submitted essays from across Indiana. The winning essays were selected from three grade levels: 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. First place winners receive an Apple iPad and second place winners receive Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones.
Essay contest winners are as follows:
Grades 4-6:
- First Place: Josie Edwards, 6th grader home schooled, Plymouth, IN
- Second Place: Katelyn Schreckenghaust, 5th grader at Galveston Elementary, Galveston, IN
Grades 7-9:
- First Place: Yijiang Zhao, 7th grader at Central Middle School, Columbus, IN
- Second Place: Travis Koester, 9th grader at North Posey High School, Poseyville, IN
Grades 10-12:
- First Place: Jessica-Lena Bohlin, 11th grader at LaPorte High School, LaPorte, IN
- Second Place: Aubrey Fleck, 12th grader at North White Middle Senior High School
- Monon, IN
Sponsored by Indiana's Family of Farmers and Indiana Humanities, the essay contest encouraged students to recognize and share all the ways Indiana agriculture plays a positive role in their own lives -as well as in the lives of those around them. In addition, teachers were able to apply a breakdown of the State Core Academic Standards met by the essay contest.
"This essay contest continues to be a 'win-win-win' for all. Teachers meet their curriculum needs, students participate in a fun and interesting project, and our Indiana farming community is recognized for its local and global impact," said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. "We are proud to again partner with Indiana's Family of Farmers to celebrate our rich agricultural history through the collection of student stories."
The winning essays will be posted soon on www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com andwww.indianahumanities.org but can be made available upon request.
This contest is part of Indiana Humanities' two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition will celebrate the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.
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About Indiana's Family of Farmers
Indiana's Family of Farmers grows the grains, produce and meat you eat every day. We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your family and the environment. Food for your family, from our family. More at www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com .
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.