Three students from Our Shepherd Lutheran School were named winners for their school in the America Me Essay Contest, a competition sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance in which 8th graders across Michigan are encouraged to explore their roles in America's future.

First place went to Tyler Tucker, second to Lindsay King and third place went to Alex Lambert. This year's prompt was "My Personal Michigan Hero."

Tucker's essay now advances to the state competition, from which the top 10 winners will receive a plaque, a medallion, $1,000 and be honored at banquet in Lansing. Thousands of 8th grade students from more than 500 schools across Michigan participated in this year's competition.