Editor's note: The following are some of the winning essays in the recent Worthington Elks Lodge 2287 essay contest. The subject was "Why I'm Proud to be An American." Six winners were chosen; the remaining two will run in Wednesday's paper.
First place: 5th/6th grade
I'm proud to be an American because we have had a lot of people who have died for us or leave their families. America is a very free place so you can go to your own church and school and many other things. But other countries are not free and I feel bad for the people who live there because other people tell them what to do.
People in our country are very nice because right now Americans are in Iraq building schools and churches. They are also giving to the people who don't have much money or food or toys. They even build shelters for Iraqis and other people. So I'm very proud to be an American because we have very nice people in our country.
Nathan Getting
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Fulda Public Elementary School, Grade 6
Second place: 5th/6th grade
We are lucky to live in a country that stands for freedom. We have the right to choose, we ended slavery in the United States, and I take freedom for granted.
We have the right to choose! My family and I can choose any religion we wish to worship. My parents can choose where to live and someday I will have that privilege also. I will get to pick a college that I want to attend and have the career that is for me.
President Lincoln knew that slavery was wrong. Even though wars are bad, sometimes they are necessary. Martin Luther King was a great leader who believed in freedom. He gave courage to blacks to fight for their freedom. He gained the respect of many Americans.
I think I take it for granted that I live in a free country. If I grew up in a country that didn't have freedom and then moved to America, I think I would appreciate it more. I can't imagine what it would be like.
I am proud to be an American for these reasons. I wish other countries would also experience the awesomeness of freedom.
Jake Phillips
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Worthington Middle School,
Grade 6
Third place: 5th/6th grade
I am proud to be an American because I can go to school with kids of different cultures. I am free to make my own decisions. I am also free to go to the school of my choice and the church of my choice. I am glad that there are people fighting for our country.
I am so glad I have a family to come home to. I am proud of my cousin Sadie for serving in Iraq for our country. I've learned not to take my freedom for granted. I know that there are many people to thank for my freedom. That's why I am proud to be an American,
Rachel Drietz
St. Mary's School, Worthington, Grade 5
First place: 7th/8th grade
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"America, America, God shed his grace on thee!" "God bless America, land that I love!" "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free." Countless songs endlessly praise the name "America!" I am proud to be an American, not because of the nostalgia of the name, but because of the people who made America what America is today.
These people were not necessarily famous or rich, but they were common people -- everyday heroes -- just like you and me. They were the pilgrims, the founding fathers, veterans of wars. These people who raised their families with love and taught their children how to live and to trust in God are the people who started America out on the right path. Fortunately, I am proud to be able to say that I too come from such a background.
Our forefathers left behind for us an incredible example to follow. If Americans are allowed to follow this example, this nation will continue to succeed, and be worthy of the praises we sing. Then future generations will be able to say that they are genuinely proud to be Americans as well.
Macy Baerenwald
Fulda High School, Grade 8
