ESSAY EXCERPTS
Graduating students from Weber and Fremont High Schools in the Weber School District were offered modest scholarships of $300 each by the American Spirit Project Committee. They wrote essays on the subject –“How is American Spirit Related to America’s Greatness?” Two scholarships were awarded at Scholarship Awards Assemblies in May of 2013.
Following are some excerpts from their essays.
“America’s greatness is revealed in the lives of her people. In all actuality, America’s greatness is the lives of her people: their patriotism, loyalty, and love for America create the foundation of greatness that America stands on today.
Men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Patrick Henry are known for their stories of bravery and risking their lives for that which they knew to be true. All these men had American spirit that is easily detectable in the strength of their conviction to America. To me, to have American ‘spirit’ is to have respect, reverence, love, and appreciation for America and her legacy. Greatness in a country doesn’t come without greatness in its people.”
Andrea Foster, age 17, Hooper.
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“What does it mean to be an American? It means freedom, individuality, safety and pride. –American Greatness is that we are free to make choices.”
Ali Kelley, age 18, West Haven
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“The success and greatness that comes to America is a result of the spirit and enthusiasm of the American people in pursuing the American dream and seeking to be successful in their lives. The history of the United States has proven countless times that the greatness of America is directly proportional to the spirit of the American people in the cause at the time. When spirit is low, America’s greatness is diminished like from the lack of public support during the Vietnam War and Watergate. The greatness of America at any given time is completely reliant on the determination and focus of the people.”
Daniel Taylor, age 18, Ogden
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“Americans unite together and give time, money and are willing to hand out food, water, and comfort to others. In a world where there is bad, Americans are good. Americans are still righteous and giving people. When American say justice for all they mean it Americans are strong brave people with integrity and pride and that’s why I believe spirit lives in America.”
Colton Visser, age 18, West Haven
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“Many of us hope for something that may be impossible. Even though we know it may be impossible we still yearn for hoping that whatever it is happens. Once hope is lost people start to become the walking dead. Both America’s Greatness and Spirit can come from the hope that comes from celebrating a simple holiday or participating in a family reunion.”
Brandan Williams, age 18, Farr West
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“ For me, the answer to this question is simple. The American Spirit is America’s Greatness. Spirit is what is deep down in our souls, in our roots, and in our ability to come together, even in the face of adversity and tragedy. I am still young and have my whole life ahead of me. But even now, I know the meaning of freedom. I feel America’s history in my heart and soul. I know her greatness and I know her spirit. I love this country. I will continue to keep the sprit of this country in all I do in my life so that this United States of America will continue to be the greatest nation on earth.”
Garrett Gallegos, age 18, West Haven
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“The American spirit is hard to break. As Americans we pride ourselves in our liberty and freedom. We come together to celebrate this phenomenal country that we are a part of. When hard times come we rely on each other. We will stand together against all others, protecting our own. When crisis befalls us we don’t fall apart, but our American spirit bring us together to stand and who the world our great nation.”
Savannah Weaver, age 17, West Haven
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“We’ve all experienced it; the 4th of July. Night falls and the first firecracker whistles up in to the sky and explodes in red, white, and blue. Everyone cheers, then goes quiet as “American Solider” fill the night air. The eventful, celebrated day has turned thoughtful and people become reverent. –The spirit of the American people is what gave men the strength to hold up a flag with their dying bodies, what gives men and women the courage to go into combat and fight for freedom, what gives the soldiers the strength to make it through, and what gives families the faith to send their loved-ones into harms’ way.”
Emma Chase ,age 17,Fremont High
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“America has many opportunities for everyone. If one has the spirit to achieve then America will lend you the opportunity. I love to challenge myself, express my creativity, and share what I love with others who can understand and share my joy. These life-long lessons are what I feel is a true American Spirit and it welcomes the opportunities to ones’ own American greatness.”
Sloane Love, age 17, West Haven
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“Many people talk about how they feel America has lost the spirit, will, and morals of the past. But I say America is still great, it is powerful, unwavering and nothing can or will ever stop us because of the will and American spirit we have all grown to love and know as justice and virtue. We, the American people are the northern star for all others, and it is all because we have the will, the right, and the spirit to fight.”
Kaidan Mickelsen, age 18, West Haven
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“The only champion for American spirit is the grantee of certain rights and privileges afforded to Americans through the genius of the constitution. The ideas that all men are created equal and the rights of the natural man are the inspiration for the American spirit. The citizens of the United States are by far its greatest asset however as such, the spirit of greatness of America is also entirely dependent on citizens of the United States.”
Heather Shupe, age 17, North Ogden
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“American spirit is directly related to America’s Greatness. Americans are starting to express their opinions at younger ages because we can. This freedom demonstrates American spirit because Americans are free to generate and spread their ideas and learn of others ideas.”
Roxanna Hedges, age 18, Harrisville
