Martin County 5^th Grader Wins 2002 Essay Contest 

A highlight of early summer for the winners of the 2002 David Deuter Essay Contest was being invited to the Indiana State House to receive their savings bond and meet other winners and their families.  The event was held on June 14, 2002 and was attended by approximately 400 guests.

The program culminated this year’s essay contest program, which began in January.  Fifth-grade students from across Indiana were invited to participate.  Entrants composed an original essay of approximately 100 words regarding the positive reasons for living drug-free.  One winner was selected from each county and received a $500 U.S. savings bond.  From the county winners, a statewide winner was selected and received a $1,000 bond. 

The statewide winner in this year’s contest was Jill Ackerman of Martin County.  Jill is a student at Loogootee East Elementary/Middle School in Loogootee.  Rounding out the Top Five is: 

• 2^nd place – Kelsey Holley – Brumfield Elementary -  Gibson County

•  3^rd place – Skye Bower – Southern Wells Elementary – Wells County

• 4^th place – Jennay Jackson – East Elementary – Jay County

• 5^th place – David Snapp – Spencer Elementary – Owen County

Following is Jill’s winning entry: 

Why I Choose To Live A Drug-Free Life By: Jill Ackerman

I choose to live a drug-free life because I want to stay in control of my future.  I have dreams and goals that I know I can accomplish with hard work and a positive attitude.

In fifth grade, we study “the Declaration of Independence.”  This great document grants everyone the unalienable rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  These rights, can however, be taken away from me by drugs.  If drugs are in control, I can lose what should have been mine and what American citizens before me fought for me to have:  freedom, choices, dreams, goals, and happiness!

Our Congratulations to All of Our Participants!