The following is a brief summary regarding the Elks sponsored Americanism school essay contest for 2002-2003.

Theme "What Does Freedom Mean to Me?"

In early January, essay contest forms were passed out to all the local schools and schools in the SW District from Elk Lodges. There were two categories: Division 1 (5th & 6th grades) and Division 2 (7th & 8th grades). The top three winners in each category were then sent on for the state finals.

Ashland Elks Lodge placed two in the top three categories for State, Jessie Stanton placed first in State in Division 2 and Clara Fain placed second in Division 1. Both essays were then submitted for the National Contest.

Jessie's essay went on to win first place in the National Contest. Our Ashland Elks Lodge is proud of the youth in our community and honored to have two youths in our community write such outstanding essays.

Jessie Stanton's Essay

(Jessie is in 7th grade, and is home schooled with the assistance of the Willow Wind Community Learning Center.

To go beyond dreams and pursue their birth, to comprehend each person's life as a separate entity, these are two qualities of freedom - a word with unending and undying definitions, reflective of the hopes it inspires. Its message resides within each of use, yearning to be heard. Even when suppressed by dictatorial or communistic powers, it finds ways to continue. From the passion of Patrick Henry to the vision of Martin Luther King Jr., someone always comes forward in times of adversity bearing the message of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

For centuries America has been the stronghold for "freedom's government," democracy. A haven for the persecuted, it has shown many people a personal definition of freedom and how mercy is more powerful than hatred.

One reason free nations remain great is their citizens understand freedom's worth. We in America realize liberty comes at a price, and the only way to remain free is to stand behind our flag.

Freedom is the essence of hope, and without hope we are lost. Therefore, if freedom brings about war, let us fight; if peace, let us rejoice. For although peace is a blessing, without war, free nations would not exist.

End of Document - Back to Top