GLADSTONE — Three students from Gladstone Middle School in Gladstone have been named local winners in the 51st annual America and Me Essay contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The three students, who earned the first, second, and third place awards for their school, are Addison Occhietti, first, Thomas Tackman, second, and Sam Olsick, third. All three received award certificates for their achievement. As the school’s first place winner, Addison’s name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.

Gladstone Middle School’s participation in the America and Me Essay contest was sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance agent Rick Jensen of Escanaba.

Occhietti’s first place essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top ten essays in Michigan will be selected. The top ten statewide winners, who will be announced in April, will each receive a plaque, a medallion and a cash award of $1,000. In addition, the top ten essayists will be honored at a banquet in Lansing, meet with Michigan’s top governmental leaders, and be the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game dedicated in their honor.