Three Glen Lake eighth graders were named local winners in the 39th annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The three students are Casey Kahler, first place; Grace Hubbell, second place; and Karyn Otto, third place. All three received award certificates for their achievement.

Kahler is the daughter of Chad and Carrie Kahler of Maple City. Hubbell is the daughter of Joe and Amy Hubbell of Cedar. Otto is the daughter of Francis and Stella Otto of Maple City.

As the school’s first-place winner, Kahler’s name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school. Her essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top 10 essays in Michigan will be selected. The top 10 statewide winners, who will be announced in April, will receive plaques, cash, and U.S. savings bonds valued from $500 to $1,000.

Several thousand eighth graders from more than 500 Michigan schools participated in the contest, which had a topic of “My Personal Hero.”