More than 300 essays were submitted for the 2004 Independence
Day Incorporated Essay Contest, representing Barrett, Carden
Academy, El Toro, Jackson, Los Paseos, Oakwood, P. A. Walsh, Shadow
Mountain and St. Catherine
’s schools. Karen Ann Crane heads up the Patriotic Sing and
Essay Contest, which she presents to the town on July 3 every
year.
More than 300 essays were submitted for the 2004 Independence Day Incorporated Essay Contest, representing Barrett, Carden Academy, El Toro, Jackson, Los Paseos, Oakwood, P. A. Walsh, Shadow Mountain and St. Catherine’s schools. Karen Ann Crane heads up the Patriotic Sing and Essay Contest, which she presents to the town on July 3 every year.
These are the first place winners.
“What Would You Like to Salute About America?”
First Prize-Upper Grades:
Nicole Yates, Sixth Grade, P.A. Walsh School
I would like to salute America’s children because a child can make a difference just like an adult can. Children are an inspiration. People’s jobs depend on children. And, our children are our future for tomorrow. If an adult can make a difference, then so can a child. Children may not have as much experience as adults do, but kids are a part of America, too. Saying a child can’t make a difference is like counting them as one-half of a person. When children have a purpose to do something like feeding the homeless or helping our troops in Iraq, they work hard to get the job done.
I read in the newspaper that the students at Martin Murphy Middle school collected canned foods at Christmastime for the needy families in Morgan Hill. The students collected so many cans that they were able to give the extra cans to the homeless in San Jose. This is an example that shows that kids can make a difference.
Children are an inspiration. To be an inspiration means to set a good example and to make somebody want to be better than before. Some people’s jobs depend on children such as, teachers, orthodontists, amusement park workers and pediatricians. If there were no children, then there would be nobody because nobody can be an adult without being a child first. A teacher once told me that kids inspire her to be a good person with strong morals because she has to set a good example for her students. This is an example of how children can inspire adults.
Children are our future for tomorrow. Today’s children will become the next teachers, doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc. Today’s children need to work hard to become what they want to be. A friend once told me in basketball, “The way you practice is the way you play.” I believe that is true throughout your whole life. The more prepared you are, the better off you will be. If you plan ahead, then you will be a good, prepared and nice person. Children need to prepare themselves to be the future of America. America’s children should be saluted because we can make a difference, we give people inspiration, and, children are the past, present and future of America!
First Prize Primary Grades
Gaurav Begur, Second Grade, Carden Academy
I would like to salute America’s heroes. My heroes of America are the people who fought to keep this land safe and free. The heroes are the soldiers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, firefighters, police and Presidents of our country – America.
Soldiers keep America safe from all terrorists, enemies, and bad people who try to attack our country. Without them, we could not be safe here. Thanks to all those people who worked hard day and night and have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe and sound.
Lots of people have left their families and homes to fight terrorists and enemies. They have sacrificed their happiness to protect us.
If we don’t salute them, who else do we salute and be grateful to? I truthfully respect and salute my heroes. I am very grateful for their work and patriotism. Finally, when I grow up, I want to be like my heroes and serve my country.
