County winner in memorial essay contest Carroll Elementary student Karlee Kitchel was recognized recently for being the Carroll County winner in the statewide David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest for fifth graders. All participants wrote an essay on "What Being A Good Citizen Means To Me." She is pictured with Indiana State Police Superintendent Dr. Paul Whitesell, Indiana's First Lady Cheri Daniels, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. Photo provided Karlee Kitchel of Flora was recognized recently as a county winner in the David Deuter Memorial Essay Contest.

This past school year, fifth grade students across Indiana were asked to participate by composing an original essay in approximately 100 words on the subject, "What Being A Good Citizen Means To Me."

This is the 12th year for the contest, which is provided by the Indiana Troopers Association (ITA). The annual program honors the memory of a longtime ITA member and 26-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, David Deuter, who was killed in the line of duty on the Indiana toll Road on July 16, 1998.

In this year's program, all 92 Indiana counties participated. One winner was selected from each county, and from those county winners a statewide winner and four runners-up were selected. The statewide winner received a $1,000 U.S. Savings bond, and runners-up each received $750 in bonds. All remaining county winners were each awarded a $500 bond by the association. In addition, winners received "You Make a Difference" certificates from Governor Mitch Daniels, engraved plaques, a "Respect for Law" Camp Scholarship, 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.

All county winners, their families, school officials, and legislators were invited to the Indiana State House for the Statewide Awards Program in June. Guest speakers were Indiana's First Lady Cheri Daniels, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed, and Indiana State Police Superintendent Dr. Paul Whitesell. Members of the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives also were invited to attend. Following the presentation of awards, an entertaining program geared to youth was presented by Jungle John and his Silly Safari.

Karlee will be a sixth grader at Carroll Elementary School. Her parents are Ladd and Kim Kitchel.