ANGOLA - For the 13th year, the Indiana Troopers Association provided the David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest for fifth-grade students across Indiana.
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."
In this year's program, 89 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 and four runners-up were selected. The statewide winner received a $1,000 US Savings Bond, which runners-up received $750 in bonds. All remaining county winners will receive $500 bonds by the association. In addition, award winners received "You Make a Difference" certificates from Governor Mitch Daniels, engraved plaques and other gifts.
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 Kosciusko County winner was Kevin Good.
On June 12, 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 Dr. Tony Bennett and Indiana State Police Assistant Superintendent Col. Rick Weigand. Members of the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives also were invited to attend.The annual program is dedicated to honor the memory of a longtime ITA member and 26-year veteran of the ISP, David Deuter, who was killed in the line of duty on the Indiana Toll Road July 16, 1998.
