 |
| John York |
Thursday afternoon, winners of the DAR Good Citizenship Award were treated to a luncheon at the Bainbridge County Club and inducted into the Daughters of the Revolution, receiving a pin and certificate for their dedication to patriotism.
Students who received this award participated in the American History Essay Contest, where they reflected on the nation’s history in a creative way. The Bainbridge/Decatur County chapter then selected a winner from each school that submitted an entry.
DAR President, Dawn Hamil told the students she was overwhelmed when she first received all the essays to be judged for the competition, but it means so much to her to see students who truly love their country. Hamil then told the five students that the DAR look out for one another and no matter where they were, even if they went off to school people would recognize them and connect with them over this accomplishment. She encouraged them to never look back and say they should’ve, would’ve, could’ve. “Go for the gold,” Hamil said.
Hamil prompted the students to read their essay to the crowd, so others could hear the pride they have for their freedom and their nation.
Camry Fillingame of Bainbridge High School was the first to read hers. Fillingame spoke on how America is one of the freest countries in the world and how the rest of the world looks to our country on how to find freedom, and we need to model our freedom through peaceful protests and in other ways.
Hines Roberts, a fifth grader at Grace Christian Academy was the second student to read his essay, where he spoke on World War I and took on the persona of a young boy growing up during that time and embodying the struggles he must’ve faced.
John York, a senior at GCA, read his essay based on American heritage. York said he was inspired by his mother, who was born in Vietnam, and her story. Upon hearing her story, York worked to be more patriotic because he knows the struggle of people seeking to find hope and freedom in a struggling time. York also stated he felt obliged to keep the values of America instilled in him and planned to attend the Naval Academy.
Seminole County’s, Kirsten London was the final student to give a speech, where she focused on the notion that all men are created equal and the heritage that came with that.
“America’s heritage is unique and special, because we are all many made into one,” London finished.
Hamil applauded all the students and welcomed them with open arms into the DAR and asked that they keep in touch, during the next phases of their lives.
 |
| Hines Roberts |
No comments:
Post a Comment