STANFORD – As the nation celebrated law enforcement officers across the country during National Police Week, one Stanford Elementary kindergartner received a college scholarship for a poem he wrote about being a police officer.

“I am an Officer” is the title of Drake Lane’s poem, which he read aloud last Thursday morning during the school’s kindergarten graduation ceremony.

Lane was one of eight students in the state to win a $1,000 college savings account after submitting his poem for the “Dream Out Loud Challenge” sponsored by the Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT). The eight were chosen from more than 1,100 students who participated in the challenge.

Lane’s poem declaring himself a police officer was an answer to the question posed by the Dream Out Loud Challenge “How will I change the world after college?”

“I am an officer,” Lane read aloud to the crowd gathered at Stanford Elementary. “I can help people. I can keep people safe. I am brave. I am a good officer by making smart choices. I am a police officer.”

The poem was judged by a panel of business executives, journalists and educational professionals and not only landed Lane a college savings account, but also earned Stanford Elementary $500 for participating in the challenge.

“He and Mrs. Nash will get to decide how they’re going to spend that and how it will benefit the students here at Stanford Elementary so one more round of applause for our big winner today,” said Stanford Elementary Principal Brandi Hon.

Erin Klarer, of the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, presented the award.

“Today we are here to recognize one of the best students in the whole state of Kentucky and some of the best teachers the state of Kentucky has to offer,” Claire said.

Lane’s poem and other winning submissions are to be displayed online at www.kysaves.com