David Deuman (from left), Abby Rose, and Callie Smith won the top three places in the 37th Annual America and Me essay contest at Pickford Public Schools. Pickford Middle School students David Deuman, Abby Rose, and Callie Smith won the top awards in the 37th America and Me essay contest. The three students won first, second, and third place, respectively, for their essays on the assigned topic, "My American Hero."

All three students won certificates for their achievement, and as Pickford's first place winner, David Deuman will have his name engraved on a plaque for display at the school. His essay has also advanced to state level competition, from which the top 10 essays in Michigan will be selected in April.

Several thousand eighth grade students from nearly 500 Michigan schools participated in the 20052006 America and Me Contest, promoted by Farm Bureau Insurance agents.

The contest encourages Michigan students to consider their roles in America's future by expressing their thoughts through writing.

My American Hero

By David Deuman

My American hero is a man that never stops and always does the best he can, and tries to push himself even farther. He never sunk down to the ability of his opponents, but plays up to his.

His name is Michael Jordan. Most people see him as a hero because of what he did off the court. Michael Jordan is not only my hero, but my inspiration. He was on his basketball court every day practicing. I don't know about you, but to me that isn't just dedication. It's passion.

When Michael was in eighth grade, the coach cut him from the team. But he never gave up. He kept up hope and kept practicing, and made the teams from then on.

Farther into his career Michael played for the North Carolina Tar Heels. While he was there, they had won an NCAA Basketball championship.

When he graduated from North Carolina, he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. While he was there, people were calling him a ball hog and saying he was a poor threepoint shooter. But he didn't give up. The next year he not only led his team in assists, but the whole league. Plus he had a very high three-point percentage.

He had a way of pushing himself and not giving up to help his team succeed.

That leadership led to the Bulls winning six NBA championships. That is why I picked Michael Jordan as my hero. Throughout his whole life, he never stopped working at what he loved, and never gave up hope.