Bloomfield Hills student wins patriotic essay contest

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Patriot Week co-founder Oakland Circuit Judge Michael Warren on Monday announced the winners of a statewide essay contest for kids to encourage them to learn about the importance of voting. "It's appropriate to announce the winners today, which is the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution," Johnson said. "I'm so proud of all our participants. We wanted to encourage young people to look at what makes America great, our founding principles and how a citizen's right to vote - to have your voice heard - is so critical to maintaining our freedoms and they did exactly that." Warren co-founded Patriot Week in 2009 with his daughter, Leah, now age 13. It was created to celebrate America's core principles and history in a meaningful way. It is anchored by two key dates, Sept. 11, the anniversary of the terrorist attacks and Sept. 17, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. "We're so pleased with the outstanding entries for the essay contest. It gives me great hope that the next generation will be inspired to renew the American spirit," Warren said. The essay contest asked students in grades 6-12 to answer this question in 400 words or less: "How does a citizen's right to vote help make America the greatest country in the world?" The winner is Lindsey Pieper, a Bloomfield Hills senior whose essay was titled, "A Vote is a Voice, Speak Out," wrote: "Voting is such an amazing opportunity because it allows each and every citizen an equal say." Pieper will receive an American flag flown over the state Capitol on the anniversary of Sept. 11, a handcrafted patriotic pen as well as a special patriot plaque. The students who earned honorable mention and will receive patriotic plaques, include: * Marissa Campbell, a Plymouth senior whose essay was titled, "Life, Liberty and Voting?" * Samantha Rogers, a Grand Rapids sophomore whose essay was titled, "Votes for All." * Shriya Shah, a Troy seventh grader whose essay was called, "The Importance of Voting." Published: Wed, Sep 19, 2012

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