The Indiana Troopers Association recently sent invitations to every 5th grade class in Indiana's public school system. Fifth graders statewide have been invited to participate in the Third Annual 5th Grade Essay Contest sponsored by the association.
Students have been asked to compose an original essay in 100-words or less on the subject "Why I Choose To Live A Drug-Free Life". One winner will be selected from each county and will receive a $500 US Savings Bond from the Indiana Troopers Association. From these county winners a statewide winner will be selected and will receive an additional $500 bond. Entry deadline is March 15, 1999. Winners will be notified and awards presented by mail by early May. Approximately 1,200 schools were invited to participate in the 1999 program.
In the two previous years, one randomly selected elementary school from each county was invited to participation. After receiving many requests from other schools across the state, the association decided to open the contest to every fifth grade class in the public school system this year.
Indiana Troopers Association President, Michael Nufer said, "It is hoped that this annual program will give children the opportunity to express themselves openly about the positive reasons for living drug-free and to be rewarded for their efforts in the contest. This program, in addition to the Thanksgiving Food Basket Program, the Christmas for Kids Program and the Summer Camp Program, not only builds rapport with children and law enforcement officers, buts helps us to achieve our goal of lending helping hand to Indiana's future - our children".
The Indiana Troopers Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary of "supporting those who serve" and "lending a helping hand to those in need" this year.