May 1, 2009

Twenty years ago, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance began sponsoring Project XL - which later evolved into the eXceL Awards competition–the premier Indiana high school arts competition and recognition for our talented high school artists and performers. It has been heartening for all of us at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to watch this program grow to include thousands of entries each year from high school students throughout our state. During these 20 years, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has strived to make a difference in those young lives in many ways, including awarding more than $700,000 in scholarships.

Today, the climate is much different than it was 20 years ago. Considerable pressure is on all companies to streamline operations and control costs. As a result, we are discontinuing the eXceL Awards competition. The 2008-2009 competition was our last.

This decision was not arrived at lightly. The eXceL program has been an important part of our corporate community involvement. We have been honored to bring this program to you and your students and have enjoyed being a part of the artistic development of our extraordinary Hoosier high school students.

We would also like to thank all of the teachers and school administrators whose support has made the past 20 years successful and memorable. You touch the lives of young people every day, and we appreciate your letting us join you on a small part of that journey.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance