We got a letter this week from a middle school student in Indiana looking for help on a class project she's doing about Maryland. Here's what she wrote:

Dear Editor of The Baltimore Sun,

Hello my name is Grace Morris. I'm a seventh grader from Mishawaka, Indiana and I go to Queen of Peace School. In my literature class we're reading a very interesting New York Times bestseller book called "A Walk Across America" written by Peter Jenkins. My teacher assigned a project where we have to choose a state, research it, and write a letter to a newspaper so we can learn what the citizens of that state love about their community. I chose the "Old Line State" because, apart from Washington D.C., Maryland has always been a mystery to me, and I'd like to learn more about it.

I would love to know what your newspaper and newspaper readers want to say about your unique area of Maryland. What do you love about it? What do you think is important for people from other states to know? If you don't mind, I would like to request being put into your newspaper so people in your community can respond.

What I love most about my home state is in Indiana, we always use our land to our best extent. I especially like how we are known for our popcorn, thank you Orville Redenbacher. I hope your readers will respond with their letters soon!

Sincerely,Grace MorrisThe letter was posted Tuesday on the Sun editorial board's blog (baltimoresun.com/secondopinion) and on Facebook. Here's a sampling of Marylanders' responses:

Dear Grace,

Thank you for wanting to learn more about my home state of Maryland. Often times, Maryland is referred to as "America in Miniature," as we have a diversity of geographic areas and populations that are representative of the entire U.S. Although we are one of the smaller states, we have the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the mountains to the west. We have families who earn their living raising livestock and crops as well as harvesting our famous Maryland blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay. Our large urban centers around Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are home to many corporations. Although I am a native Marylander, many of my neighbors come from other states and countries. This rich melting pot of people and places is what I love best about Maryland.

And by the way, I visited your state of Indiana for the first time last weekend to see my beloved Baltimore Ravens loose to Indy. We'll see you next year!Susan

Great post - I'm not sure where to start.

1. We experience all four weather seasons.

2. Our landscape includes mountains to ocean and everything in between.

3. We are known for our seafood delicacies - oysters, crabs, rockfish.

4. Baltimore is a "big" city with a small-town feel.

5. Is home to world renowned medical institutions and colleges - University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University.

6. Encompasses a large amount of historic prominence, treasures, and architecture.

7. Culturally diverse.Anonymous

I was going to write a list ... and then Anonymous above me mentioned all of my top five.

I would just expand on No. 4 a bit. Baltimore is a big town, but it's like no other home. My aunt still has napkins that read, "I love Baltimore because even if I don't know what I'm doing, everyone else always does."

And Annapolis and the beach ain't bad either.Dan

Dear Grace,

I'm happy to respond to your letter. My dad was in the military, so I have lived in eight states. Maryland is one of my favorites. Maryland has mountains in the west, beautiful shorelines in the east, a flavor of the old South in southern Maryland and the cosmopolitan excitement of a big, but not too big, city in Baltimore. We have warm summers with breezes off the bay and cold enough winters that we get some, but not too much, snow. Our school system was recently rated No. 1 in the country. People here are warm and friendly. They come from many backgrounds and create an interesting mix. I love Maryland and hope to retire here. Come visit sometime!!!Janet

Hello Grace,

I come from Elkhart County (right next door to St. Joe). I've lived in Maryland for nearly 20 years now. Besides the history in places like Annapolis, Oxford, Baltimore and Cambridge, I have fallen in love with sailing. We became sailors a few years ago and love the sense of community in the marinas and different groups (in our case, Fleets), never mind being out on the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and creeks. Everyone is ready with advice, tools and company! Obviously, there are many forms of water activities here (swimming, sailing, power boating, personal watercrafts, canoeing, fishing), but sailing and swimming are my two favorite!

We have the four seasons, with winter usually not as severe as seen in your neck of the woods (no "lake effect snows," just Nor'Easters!).

Best of luck to you!Anonymous in AA County

Dear Grace:

After spending over 55 years in Maryland, I've decided that my favorite aspect of the Free State is that it isn't New Jersey.MDR

Maryland has it all in one small package. We have different landscapes - the ocean to the east, farmlands, rolling hills, small towns to cities, and of course our mountains in the west. Our highways are maintained well, allowing us to travel to the different regions. We have the arts, culture, sports and a strong history - all close by and ready to be explored. Maryland is ranked as one of the top states for education, from grade school to university. Our medical services and technologies are the best in the world. Opportunities are here for employment and to diversify your career. Maryland is a state of all nations, cultures and colors. The people of Maryland are hard working and proud to be Marylanders and Americans!D. Howard

Dear Grace

I have been a native Marylander but have lived many places due to my service in the Army. The reason I always return to Maryland is it's sense of family and history. We are truly a best kept secret of the U.S. One of the original 13 colonies, home of the Star Spangled Banner and the B&O; Railroad. Mountains in the west and the Atlantic to the east with the jewel of the Chesapeake in the center the state, offering all types of outdoor activities. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland College Park, but the best part is the neighborhoods of Baltimore and the people of Maryland.Frank

Best crab cakes in the world :)Josh Pilachowski

Great public school system (Grace's parents wouldn't have needed to spend that extra couple thousand a year...)Aaron Kearsley