2008-2009 Winners - West 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.
West South Central Region
 | First Place - Angela Stevens Christian Liberty Academy “In all things, we must have courage to stand up for what is right, initiative to start the change, and the perseverance to see it though. Our progress as a society can only continue when these values are embraced.” |
 | Second Place - Katherine Thayer McNeil High School, Grade 11 “This simple virtue has had an enormous impact on American history, and continues to be one of the qualities that sets us apart. Tolerance is the reason why members of such a wide variety of races, nationalities, and religions are able to live together in tranquility, despite differences which in other parts of the world have caused devastating wars.” |
 | Third Place - Grant McClure McCallum High School “Most importantly, initiative, the motivation and energy to stand up, fight and suffer for one’s cause, is what defines us as Americans. Having the initiative to improve society is what it truly means to be an American.” |
Honorable Mention - Timothy Hardy Spicewood Academy "Throughout the history of the United States of America, we can see the thread of unity weaving its way through each great event and marked victory. Inscribed in founding documents and spoken of in speeches, unity has always been the most important civic value of the American people." |
Honorable Mention - Kevin Meloy Cinco Ranch High School “Industry, evident in America since the founding fathers drafted the Constitution in 1787, especially as embodied by the hard-working statesman Benjamin Franklin who rose from rags to riches to become the nation's first millionaire, has enabled the preservation of our union by facilitating the happiness of society, and remains the cornerstone of our democracy today.” |
Honorable Mention - Landon Webber Academy of the Good Shepherd “Only when each successive generation has the courage to speak out and influence the process, is democracy ever truly successful. This is why the civic virtue of courage, as it is woven into our heritage is so integral to our understanding of what it means to be an American.” |
Honorable Mention - Alyssa Wadley Grace Preparatory Academy “Courage has been fundamental in the lives of the great leaders of this country, and continues to play a key role in the lives of its citizens today. In order to secure the future of this great nation, its citizens must follow in the footsteps of their predecessors by exhibiting courage despite any inhibiting circumstances.” |
Honorable Mention - Tim Anderson Franklin High School “Charity has given those less fortunate in this county hope, drive, and an equal chance to achieve the American dream. Without this remarkable civic virtue, the United States simply could not be the land of good faith and equal opportunity that it is today. Examples of charity can be found in the works of our nation's founding fathers, in the lives of famous humanitarian figures, and in the families of average Americans.” |
Honorable Mention - Anna Fryman Grace Preparatory Academy “An American is one who upholds the foundations of his country that have been preserved for centuries by the brave revolutionaries who sought to make a difference. Every life is an opportunity to be an impact for morality, to be an encouragement for the oppressed, or to be a mentor to the young.” |
Honorable Mention - Reese Wadley Grace Preparatory Academy “Initiative is truly one of the most important foundations of personal achievement. It is only when people realize that they can make a difference that great deeds are accomplished. From writers like Jefferson who sought national freedom to great speakers like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for his race, initiative has been the backbone of change in our society. It is one of the most important aspects of being an American.” |
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