Three eighth graders from The Grosse Pointe Academy have been named local winners in the 38th annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. The topic for the contest was "My Personal Hero."

The three students, who wrote the essays in language arts class with Lawrence DeLuca, are Mitch Vermet, first, Michael Leahy, second, and Adam Smith, third. All three received award certificates for their achievement. As the school’s first place winner, Mitch's name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.

The Grosse Pointe Academy’s participation in the America & Me Essay Contest was sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Colleen Dyer of Grosse Pointe Woods.

Mitch'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 receive plaques, cash, and U.S. savings bonds valued from $500 to $1,000. In addition, the top ten essayists will be honored at a banquet in Lansing, meet with Michigan’s top governmental leaders, and be the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game dedicated in their honor.