Roachdale student recognized for essay

ROACHDALE -- A student attending North Putnam Community School Corporation was recently recognized for her entry in a statewide essay contest.

For the 14th year, the Indiana Troopers Association provided the David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest for fifth grade students across Indiana.

The students were invited in January to participate in the program by composing an original essay in approximately 100 words on the subject of "What Being a Good Citizen Means To Me."

Many of the county awards were presented by area Indiana State Police officers at end of year awards programs at the winner's school. The Putnam County winner was Emilee Henninger.

In this year's program, 91 out of 92 Indiana counties participated in the program, which culminated in March. One winner was selected from each participating county and from those county winners a statewide winner, as well as a second and third place.

The statewide winner received a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond; second place receives a $750 bonds and third place a $500 bond. All remaining county winners will receive $100 bonds by the association. In addition award winners received "You Make a Difference" certificates from Gov. Mitch Daniels, engraved plaques and other gifts.

On June 11, all county winners, their families, school officials and legislators were invited to the Indiana State House for the statewide awards program. Guest speakers for the program were Indiana's First Lady Cheri Daniels, new Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett and Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell. The event was standing room only. Following the presentation of awards, an entertaining program geared to youth was presented by Amazon John and his Silly Safari.

The annual program is dedicated to honor the memory of a longtime ITA member and 26-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, David Deuter, who was killed in the line of duty on the Indiana Toll Road on July 16, 1998.