The Western New York Firemen's Association, Inc., has awarded Michael Scheer of Spencerport first place among eighth graders in their annual Fire Prevention Essay Contest. Michael's essay originally was among 250 best essays chosen by the association from twelve counties in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade categories. His essay, "Team Up for Fire Safety," received the top honor for the eighth grade in the twelve-county area.

Michael, 13, is a student in Holly Ritchie's class at Christ Community Church School in Brockport. Her class participates in the essay contest each year as a special challenge for their writing skills. Michael's parents are David and Laura Scheer of Spencerport.