Locals win big at Laws of Life: Bluffton teen is state champ.

From: Lima News (Lima, OH)  | Date: September 30, 2006

Byline: Beth L. Jokinen

Sep. 30–COLUMBUS — Andrea Deter didn’t even think she would be able to make it to the state Laws of Life Essay Contest awards banquet in Columbus, but then her teachers excused her absence and she found a ride.

The Bluffton High School graduate was glad she did. She left Thursday’s banquet with a first-place award.

"I was so happy I was able to come," she said. "I went in thinking I would be happy no matter what I got. It was really neat to get first place."

Deter was not the only local winner.

M e g a n Bible, an Elida High School graduate, took home the t h i r d – p l a c e award.

Bible, an art e d u c a t i o n major at The Ohio State U n i v e r s i t y, said she was surprised just to make it to the state competition.

"It was a surprise and an honor," she said. "I did not realize I was competitive at the state level. It was a great honor to be third in the state."

Bible and Deter were among 10 high school and 10 junior high school finalists honored Thursday. Samantha Kahle from Miller City-New Cleveland School was among the junior high finalists.

Deter is studying social work at Indiana Wesleyan University. Her essay was "The Gift of Hope." She said the essay was about the way her mom inspires her and the laws she has taught her: hope, forgiveness, respect and love.

Bible’s essay, which was named the overall best senior essay in the local competition, was titled "Be Painted A Masterpiece." Bible, who has grown up around art, wrote about the lessons she has learned from the different aspects of art.

The statewide essay contest is in its sixth year, and is open to winners of local Laws of Life essay contests for both middle and high school pupils.

Laws of Life was created by Sir John Templeton in 1987 to encourage young people to reflect and write about their "laws of life" or core values and ideals by which they live their life.

Last year, more than 155,000 students around the country wrote essays.

Support for the statewide contest comes from the Ar-Hale Family Foundation in Lima, Honda and Wendy’s.

Copyright (c) 2006, The Lima News, Ohio

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