The Committee for Integrity Enhancement presented its 30th Essay Contest Awards Program on Monday, April 18, 2022, 6:30 p.m. at Muncie Central High School Auditorium. As the keynote speaker, Joe Schmaltz, Principal, Albany Elementary School, presented the message that, “While we can’t possibly fix all of the world’s problems, we can all do our best to work on our little corner with the hope that it will spread!”

Mr. Schmaltz described the definition of “Integrity” seen in some of the essays:

• The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
• The act of choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, doing what is right over what is easy!
• The act of behaving honorably, even when no one is watching!

He also issued this challenge: Think about this! “I would suggest that sometimes it is easier to do the right thing when no one is looking.”

And he explained the Butterfly Effect: “A property of chaotic systems (such as with the atmosphere or weather) by which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large-scale and unpredictable variation in the future state of the system.” In a sentence, the Butterfly Effect is this: “Your acts of kindness can produce the butterfly effect as your kind behavior triggers more kindness throughout the world.”

But how can the Butterfly Effect change our lives? Even tiny changes can affect the world in which we live. The more positive small changes we introduce into the system can really make a difference.

“We may not be able to fix the world, but we sure can work on just our little corner!”

Almost 1,000 Delaware County students in grades 4 through 12 wrote essays on the topic “What are some steps I can take to have integrity in my everyday experiences?”

Winning students in the Elementary and Middle School Divisions received cash prizes: $250 for First Place; $150 for Second Place; $100 for Third Place. New this year: High School Division winners received cash prizes: $1,000 for First Place; $500 for Second Place; $250 for Third Place. Read the First Place winning essays here.

Elementary School Division winners: First place: Tanvi Chhajed, Yorktown Elementary (Teacher: Robert Voss; Principal: Wesley Thornburg); second: Aanya Chhajed, Yorktown Elementary (Teacher: Robert Voss; Principal: Wesley Thornburg); third: Adalyn Carter, Albany Elementary (Teacher: Lisa Brand; Principal: Joe Schmaltz).

Middle School Division winners: First place: Rachel Ward, Yorktown Middle School (Teacher: Suzy Fox; Principal: Heath Dudley); second: Wyatt Turner, Yorktown Middle School (Teacher: Mrs. McKnight; Principal: Heath Dudley); third: Gabriel Shockey, (Teacher: Katey Shockey).

High School Division winners: First place: Tessa Williams, Heritage Hall High School (Teacher: Mr. Les Wallace, Principal: David Stein); second: Caton Clark, Yorktown High School (Teacher: Wendy Jones; Principal: Stacey Brewer); third: Radley Richman, Wes-Del High School (Teacher: Pamela Meirer-Fisher; Principal: Adam Perdue).

C.I.E. also presented the Personal Integrity Awards recognizing Delaware County residents who have distinguished themselves as individuals of high principles and good character.

Three individuals received this honor:

• Curtis Mardis II
• Lauren Bishop-Weidner 
• Liane Harrold
• Coach Jim Thompson

The Committee for Integrity Enhancement also has a Facebook Page. Go on and “Like” us!

Congratulations to all!