The Committee for Integrity Enhancement presented its 33rd Essay Contest Awards Program on Monday, April 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. at Muncie Central High School Auditorium. The keynote speaker Mary Ann Stroeh gave an excellent address on this year’s essay subject of how integrity helps to build positive relationships.
She referenced important relationships in her life including a loving and close one with her grandmother who taught her many things including asking her to memorize the Bible verse Galatians 5:22 which states that the “fruit of the Spirit” includes characteristics like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She encouraged us to keep these characteristics of integrity at the forefront of our behavior as a way to forge strong relationships.
As a long-time educator, Mary Ann mentioned making home visits to almost all her students so that she could learn about their families and therefore get to know her students better and deepen her relationships with them. She also told a story of a former kindergarten student who gave her a prized trophy that she has kept to this day, as an example of how a relationship can be forged.
She mentioned that we should seek to read good books that address relationships, specifically mentioning those by author Patricia Polacco, many of which deal with growing relationships with commitment and integrity.
We appreciated Mary Ann’s wonderful charge and encouragement to all at the ceremony!
This year, 31 schools and 83 teachers participated in our essay contest. More than 1,100 Delaware County students in grades 4 through 12 wrote essays on the topic “How does integrity help build positive relationships?”
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: Avery Overholt, Eaton Elementary (Teacher: Ashley Larimore; Principal: Chyenne Wilder); second: Iris Biner, Selma Elementary (Teacher: Mackenzie Kerr; Principal: Lesley Moulton); third: Jerry Youngdale, Heritage Hall Elementary (Teacher: Jodi Chae; Principal: Mike Crull).
Middle School Division winners: First place: Faizan Reshtya, Northside Middle School (Teacher: Jacob Mooney; Principal: Ben Williams); second: Ezra Ayana, Yorktown Middle School (Teacher: Suzanne Fox; Principal: Mike Huber); third: Alexia Westfall, Daleville Jr High School, (Teacher: Kelly Hardsaw; Principal: Eric Douglas).
High School Division winners: First place: Selah Derby, Muncie Central High School (Teacher: Morgan Leckie, Principal: Chris Walker); second: Ava Gregory, Cowan Jr High School (Teacher: Aimee Jones; Principal: Brent Adams); third: Sophia Glueck, Delta High School (Teacher: Betsy Marshall; Principal: Joey Gossett).
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.
This year’s Personal Integrity Award recipients are Marie Blackburn, John Britt, Dan Daugherty, and Frank Scott Sr.
The Committee for Integrity Enhancement also has a Facebook Page. Go on and “Like” us! And check out the Photo Album!
Congratulations to all!
~ Photography by Chelsy Ray, Copperlight Studio