"Shine Like a Gem" Contest Winners

Martin Binder Jeweler was thrilled to receive nearly 300 heart-felt entries for our second annual Mother’s Day Shine Like a Gem letter writing contest. Valparaiso Community Schools elementary students and area children expressed why their mom (or favorite lady) deserved to be honored with jewelry for Mother's Day. The winners received a sterling silver pearl pendant and earring set, compliments of Martin Binder Jeweler, to give to their mom on Mother's Day.

We’d like to congratulate the winners and their moms, and thank the community and the Valparaiso Community School for participating. As an extra thanks for participating, each elementary school with at least twenty-five student submissions received a $100 cash contribution that the school may allocate as desired.

All contest submissions are available for pick-up during our store hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check our 15 winners and their letters below:

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS, UNDER 5



Aiden, 23 months, and Adelyn, 8 months (click image to enlarge letter)


COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS, AGES 5-9


Shannon, age 7, and her mom, Leslie (click image to enlarge letter)


Morgan, age 9, and her mom, Beth (click image to enlarge letter)

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS, AGES 10-15


Katie, age 13, and her mom, Susan (click image to enlarge letter)


Johnny, age 13, and his mom, Tammy (click image to enlarge letter)

SCHOOL SUBMISSIONS, KINDERGARTEN-2ND GRADE


Sydney, 2nd grade Northview Elementary (click image to enlarge letter).

Lauren, 2nd grade Northview Elementary, and her mom, Darlene


Joshua, 2nd grade Central Elementary, and his mom, Julie (click image to enlarge letter and view second page)


Aiko, 2nd grade Northview Elementary, and her mom, Amy (click image to enlarge letter)


Aidan, 2nd grade Northview Elementary, and his mom Peggy (click image to enlarge letter)

SCHOOL SUBMISSIONS, 3RD-5TH GRADE


Marissa, 3rd grade Flint Lake Elementary and her mom, Jeanette (click image to enlarge letter)


Mollie, 5th grade Northview Elementary (click image to enlarge letter and view second page)


Alyssa, 3rd grade Northview Elementary, and her mom, Tressa (click image to enlarge letter)

Isabella, 3rd grade Hayes Leonard Elementary, and her mom (click image to enlarge letter)


Jordan, 3rd grade Hayes Leonard Elementary (click image to enlarge letter)