Eagle Creek Academy in Oakland Township was well represented in the 43rd annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. Three students, Samantha Rondeau, Andrew Abela and Alex O’Donnell, earned first, second and third place awards, respectively. All three received an award certificate for their achievement. As the school’s first place winner, Rondeau’s name was also engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school. Several thousand eighth grade students from over 400 Michigan schools participated in the 2011-2012 contest, encouraging Michigan youngsters to explore the greatness of America and its people. The topic of this year’s contest was ‘My Personal Michigan Hero.?