2008-2009 Winners - East South Central Region
The winners of the Being an American Essay Contest have been announced! The top three winners in each region were announced at the Awards Gala on March 31, 2009.
East South Central Region
 | First Place - Zach Franklin Franklin Home School, Grade 12 “Hard work is the most influential civic value that unites America. Most Americans know that to succeed in reaching their goals, they need to work hard to reach them. Hard work not only brings about desired results, but also instills a sense of self worth and satisfaction.” |
 | Second Place - Grant Schumacher Woodford County High School, Grade 11 “What could they possibly achieve by joining in arms with their countrymen and what could possibly be worth it to them to be prepared to give their lives freely for? The answer is deceptively simple, to protect the lives, rights, liberties and values of each and every United States citizen.” |
 | Third Place - Julia Steffen Bishop Brossart High School, Grade 9 “I believe that volunteerism is the most important civic value that we Americans have. I was raised with this civic value instilled in me, and I could not imagine my life without it.” |
Honorable Mention - Zshakira Gibson Seedpod Empowerment Institute "Those who stand up for their own rights are certainly courageous. Those who stand up for the rights of others however, exemplify courage as a civic value. They go beyond their own personal feelings. They operate out of a spirit of unity with those needing love and support. They are the real heroes and 'sheroes' of the world." |
Honorable Mention - Hugh Dillon Covenant Christian Academy “Central to the American idea and calling oneself a true American is the preservation of unwavering conviction with integrity. The founding fathers realized the importance of this trait, the highest method of self-government, particularly in an environment when the individual making the decision would be impacting a world vastly larger than his own.” |
Honorable Mention - Erik Oldfather Providence Classical School “There are numerous civic values which have made Americans what we are today, but without a sense of duty and responsibility to each other and our country, the United States would most likely have not become the great world power we are today. Our adherence to these principles assures, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, 'that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'” |
Honorable Mention - Elizabeth Glaser French Camp Academy “As Americans in the twenty-first century, we have the opportunity to do great things, and we should realize the potential we have. By the continually persevering through hard times, we honor those who gave up their lives for our freedoms. My duty as a citizen in America today is to be as determined as our forefathers/mothers were in fighting for the freedoms and civil liberties that we enjoy now. Using the past as an example, we should all be encouraged to embrace the civic value of determination to help our country.” |
Honorable Mention - Anna Stewart Home School “Each of us stands on the sidelines of history, the edge of a trail that has helped frame our very existence, and each of us can hold out our hands and grab the baton as it passes us by. Doing so does not require special education or importance; you only need the same willingness and determination that was held by Rosa Parks. This trail, this idea, this passion, was started by the legendary, carried by the brave, and now it is my turn to hold the baton high and blaze the trail of Liberty.” |
Honorable Mention - Bonnie Williams Smyrna High School “Liberty, the most important civic value, is not only the thread of America's history, but also the goals of its leaders, and the ultimate hope of the people and future generations.” |
Honorable Mention - Logan Prichard Portland High School “Responsibility is a trait found at the heart of all great actions. Without it, this country would not exist, and it would certainly not be as magnificent as it is today. Other values such as initiative, courage, and industry would not be possible if it were not for the responsibility someone must take to act on those values. It is for this reason that I believe the core value of personal responsibility to oneself and one's country is the most important aspect of being an American. It is the force that drives us to do great things, to better our world, and is the main piece of American society that allows us to have the freedoms and opportunities we have.” |
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