Founded by Jack Stucko in 1968, Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan sponsors an annual statewide essay contest exclusively for eighth grade students. The writing competition was originally created to encourage young students to explore their career aspirations and consider how their future roles can impact their community. Today, students submit inspirational stories honoring someone who has personally made a difference in their lives - a Michigan Hero. 

For over 50 years, more than 500,000 eighth graders from hundreds of Michigan schools have entered the writing contest. As a sponsor, Farm Bureau Insurance has also earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

ELIGIBILITY

The contest is open to all eighth-grade students in Michigan enrolled in a public or private school. All essays must be submitted by a school (not by an individual) and each participating school can submit up to 10 essays total. Schools must register online or through a Farm Bureau Insurance agent prior to the contest deadline to be considered.

AWARDS

The America & Me Essay contest offers a variety of awards on both the local and statewide levels. In their first year of participation, schools receive a plaque where current and future first-place student’s names will be engraved and displayed. Three essays are chosen from each school and the first-place essays are then entered into a statewide competition. From there, the top ten essays are selected, and each statewide winner will receive both a plaque and medallion, a $1,000 cash award and an invitation to our awards celebration event. $1,000 is also awarded to each winner’s school, plus the potential of another $500 if the school is sponsored by a Farm Bureau Insurance agent.

REGISTER A SCHOOL

This year's contest, held September through Nov. 11th, will ask students to write on the topic "My Personal Michigan Hero.” Farm Bureau Insurance Agents and Michigan 8th Grade Teachers can register a school in the 54th annual America & Me Essay contest by clicking here.

Learn More About the America & Me Essay Contest

2022 – 2023 America and Me Contest Rules Brochure
2022 – 2023 America and Me Essay Contest Poster
2021 – 2022 Winners Essay Booklet