Area 4th Grader Wins Statewide Essay Contest

The essay focus was "Examining the Administration of the Indiana Property Tax Process".

Coleton Pettit and family at the AIC Conference. Photo by South Dearborn Community School Corporation. 

(Aurora, Ind.) – A fourth grader within the South Dearborn Community School Corporation has been announced as the winner of a statewide contest.

Coleton Pettit was recognized this week as the winner of the Association of Indiana Counties’ 4th Grade Essay Contest.

This year, the essay focus was “Examining the Administration of the Indiana Property Tax Process”.

Students were tasked with interviewing the County Assessor, County Auditor, Country Treasurer, or County Council to learn more about the taxation process and how it is administered fairly and efficiently.

Pettit accepted his award at the annual AIC Conference where he read his essay aloud to attendees and enjoyed dinner with his family and his teach, Mrs. Schmeltzer.

He also received a $100 prize.

More from Local News

Events

Applications Available for OCCF 2026 Scholarships

Application deadlines are February 27.

Whitewater Canal Historic Site Receives Commitment for $7 Million Matching Grant

The grant will support crucial work to restore and preserve the site. 

SEI Football Stars Earn Academic All-State Honors

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Local Sports Report - January 22, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Keith Urban Long Hot Summer 1:17
Merle Haggard Are the Good Times Really Over? 1:13
Lainey Wilson Things A Man Oughta Know 1:09
Brooks & Dunn She's Not The Cheatin' Kind 1:05