The office of state Rep. Matthew Bierlein has announced winners of a recent essay contest asking students across Bay, Genesee, Saginaw and Tuscola counties what they would do to leave a positive impact on the state.

“I want to thank all the students, parents and teachers across our area who sent in essays, and I enjoyed reading through all of them,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “This was at terrific way to see what our future generations hope to see with the Michigan they are set to inherit. Having young people engaged in public service and providing them with a platform to share their ideas and perspectives is a good thing, and I want to congratulate everyone who participated and put their ideas forward.”

The winners of the contest were: Nicholas Wojtowicz from Immanuel Lutheran School in Saginaw, Jeremiah Lewis from Vassar Central Elementary, Leila Grice from North Elementary in Birch Run, and Teddy Jennings and Sawyer Bierlein from St. Lorenz Lutheran School in Frankenmuth.

Among the winners’ ideas: Lewis said the state should look to lower taxes so people and families could have more money to buy food and gas. Grice prioritized greater recycling efforts to help stop pollution, and Jennings underscored the need for brighter uniforms and vehicle safety upgrades for law enforcement officers to help lessen tragic instances where officers who protect and serve their communities are injured or killed in the line of duty.

Rep. Bierlein is in his second term in the Michigan House serving the 97^th House District.