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By COREY HERROD
October 7, 2011
The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), in conjunction with the Indianapolis Colts, have created the Hoosier Horsepower Essay Contest. Indiana High School seniors can enter the contest and win cash prizes to help fund their college education. Colts tight end Dallas Clark will once again serve as spokesperson for the program.
On behalf of Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers, the Colts will donate $100 to the program for each catch Clark makes this season. Clark has thirteen (13) receptions entering Sunday’s game against Kansas City. Four (4) Indiana high school seniors will each receive $2,000 to help defer college education related expenses.
“I’m excited to continue as the spokesperson for the Hoosier Horsepower Program,” Clark said. “A quality education is extremely important, but it isn’t cheap. I’m excited that every pass I catch helps relieve some of that financial pressure.”
To be eligible for the essay competition, applicants must be a high school senior in Indiana and plan to enroll in an accredited college or university within the United States pursuing either an associate or bachelor degree for the 2012-2013 school year.
Essay competition winners will be awarded based on a combination of factors. Academic achievement, leadership and community service will be considered in addition to their essay detailing how today’s farmers are working to tackle tomorrow’s needs for food, fiber and fuel.
“Partnering with the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Clark is a great way to connect with Hoosiers with their neighbors on the farm who continue to produce more food using less land, energy, and inputs every year,” said Jane Ade Stevens, executive director for ISA and ICMC. “This essay contest allows Indiana high school seniors to think about the important role Indiana’s farmers and their families play when it comes to providing not only food but also so many other products to the world.”
Winners will be announced prior to the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. All essays must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 17, 2012. Parents and students can go to www.colts.com/hoosierhorsepower to learn more.
