Two Crofton students have earned statewide recognition in the American Mothers, Inc.’s 5th Grade Essay Contest.
Ayla Buschkamp, a fifth grader at St. Rose of Lima School (teacher; Donna Arens), and Grace Steffen, a fifth grader at Crofton Elementary School (teacher; Chelsea Wagner), were both named among the Top 10 finalist in Nebraska for their heartfelt essays titled “What My Mother Means to Me.”
Each student beautifully expressed what she loves and appreciates about her mom.
Ayla is the daughter of Nick and Kelsey Buschkamp, and Grace is the daughter of Ron and Karyn Steffen.
Crofton students have proudly participated in this national contest since 2013, with many advancing to the state level and being honored at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.
Past finalists include Tayler Arens (1st Place, 2013), Cassie Altwine (1st Place, 2014), Ashley Tramp (2015), Pamela Dennis (2019), Jazzmyn Wieseler (2020), Jaylynn Panning (2021), Collyns Stout (2022), Meredith Wortmann (2023), Ruby Mae Wilkins (2024), Myla Arens (2025), and now Ayla Buschkamp and Grace Steffen (2026).
Sponsored nationwide by American Mothers, Inc., the essay contest invites fifth graders to write a 150-word tribute entitled “What My Mother Means to Me.” The organization is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and honoring mothers through programs that strengthen families and communities across the United States. Essays are juried by representatives from the State English Teachers Association, the Nebraska English Language Arts Council, NELAC, and Nebraska’s Affiliate with the National Council of Teachers.
Ayla and Grace joined fellow Nebraska finalists at a Recognition Ceremony held Friday, February 27, at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. Each finalist had the special opportunity to read her essay aloud to her mother and those in attendance, including 2026 Nebraska Mother of the Year®, Nicole Zurcher.
Jim Pillen attended the ceremony and offered remarks to the students and their families. Nebraska’s first-place essay, written by Kaelyn Schoenholz of Bruning-Davenport, has been forwarded to Washington, D.C., to compete at the national level.
Kim Vogt, Nebraska AMI Association President, shared, “The essays offer a special opportunity for children to celebrate their mothers and genuinely bring happy tears to your eyes.” She expressed hope that the contest will continue to grow, giving every fifth grader the opportunity to participate in this meaningful tradition.