Sonoma Valley Republican Women, Federated

Sonoma Valley High School Teens

High School Senior Essay Contest Scholarship Award Winners 2011 and 2010

2011 SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

1st Place - Hannah Horowitz
2nd Place - Daniel Maggioncalda, Zack Prohoroff, Mia Stornetta
3rd Place - Theresa McArdle, Natalia Minatta, Nicholas Pimentel, Caitlin Tremblay, Kaylee Vollert

What it Means to Be a U.S. Citizen
By Hannah Horowitz

Being a citizen of the United States of America means I have a voice and am able to use it to shape my future. Furthermore, as a woman I do not have to worry that my constitutional rights to vote, work, and own property will be revoked. I have been born into a time when equal opportunities for women are standard, and women’s opinions and views are greatly valued. Many people, both female and male, worked long and hard to earn women the right to fully participate in government and politics, and I am forever grateful to those who put everything on the line not only for civil rights as well. My mind is valued over my body, and countless doors are open to me. My voice is not subdued by choruses of arrogance and sexism. As a citizen of the U.S., not only am I heard; I have the potential to bring about change.

In light of the dramatic changes currently taking place throughout the Middle East as oppressed peoples struggle to bring about democratic reforms, I feel especially proud and lucky to have bee born in a country where monarchy and dictatorship are inconceivable. I appreciate the fact that government officials are elected by the people and that, theoretically, our leaders have the people’s interest at heart. I see Tunisian, Egyptian, Libyan and other men and women on T.V. and, although they may look and speak differently than I do, I know that in their hearts they want the things I enjoy on a daily basis. They want a voice. They want to examine what is wrong with their country and propose solutions. They want to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. They want opportunities. They want a better future for their children.

I look at my hands and know they stand for something larger than I do; they stand for people all over the world who wish to experience what U.S. citizenship really means. For hundreds of years, people have immigrated to America leaving behind everything they’ve ever known in order to come to this beacon of opportunity, this melting pot of cultures and oasis of freedom. We are a nation of immigrants. Those who came before us laid the foundation for this unique society, and as citizens, each and every one of us is responsible for adding our own efforts to the ongoing project of building a truly great nation. As citizens, we all have the chance to make a difference by extending a helping hand not only to those residing within our own borders, but also to our allies throughout the world.

I am a female citizen of the United States of America, and I know that I matter. I hope to merit the title of “citizen”, just as I hope that my choices and actions will secure the foundation of freedom upon which my country rests.

2010 SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
1st Place - Lauren Fisher
2nd Place - Samantha Bonbright
3rd Place - David DeSmet
Award - Zachary Adams
Award - Kirsten Aguilar
Award - Elizbeth Lawlor-Johnson

What it Means to Be a U.S. Citizen
By Lauren Fisher

I have never really thought in depth about what it means to be a U.S. citizen until this essay. There is an irony to be found here because what means the most to me about my citizenship is the reason I have not thought much about it. I was born with natural rights that have given me the freedom to choose my path in life. We live in a country that not only allows, but promotes free speech, freedom of religion and freedom of the press, just to name a few. We are protected from illegal search and prosecution, and our government cannot deprive us of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These freedoms have allowed me the opportunity to chart my own course and not to worry about persecution. Frankly, these freedoms can easily be taken for granted, which is why I have not contemplated my citizenship until now.
As I continue to think about the liberties we are entitled to from birth, I realize that as a woman I have opportunities to thrive and prosper in whatever area I choose. Equality is not found in every country, and I am so grateful it can be found here. I plan on becoming an elementary school teacher, a wife, a mother and an active member of my community. I am in the process of changing religions, and I can do this of my own free will. I can have a voice in my community and government, and I can determine how loud that voice will be.

Another advantage we have in this country is the ability we have in this country is the ability to work hard at our career and to affect our financial wealth. The entrepreneurial spirit is rewarded in the United States, which fosters creativity and innovation. As I graduate high school and transition in adulthood, I am very optimistic about what lies ahead. This might not be the case if I lived in another country. I have high aspirations for my future, and that’s what being a U.S. citizen means to me…..hope and an opportunity to achieve my dreams!

2009 SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
The essays titled ,"What Does It Mean To You To Be A U.S. Citizen", were all exceptional. The winners spoke at the June luncheon and below, is a reprint of Connor Martinelli’s essay. Enjoy reading this winning composition, it is very inspirational. Our country can look forward to a great future with leaders like this. Please read below our pick for the #1 essay.

What it Means to Be a U.S. Citizen
By Connor Martinelli

America is a place of hope, a place of prosperity and a place of freedom. Thousands have risked their lives to come to the United States, and thousands more have risked their lives to protect its borders. I am blessed to have been born as an American citizen, and I feel greatly privileged to have been granted with the rights and liberties which accompany that title. To me being an American citizen means being an active member of a wonderful and diverse community which elects its own leaders, is protected by it government, and acts as a beacon of hope and freedom to the world. The American Dream, the idea that anyone can come to this nation, work hard and improve one’s position in life, is a concept unique to the United States, and being an American citizen is being part of that dream. Growing up as an American I was taught not to judge by race, creed or social standing, and that one’s worth was not measured by connections, heritage, or political opinions, but hard work and determination. Being an American citizen means that I can enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and all other unalienable rights given to me by the sacred documents of my forefathers. Being an American citizen means that I am free to walk the streets without fear of unjust imprisonment, or my government abusing its power. Most of all, being an American citizen means being given the same wonderful opportunity to succeed in life as every other American citizen.

However, being a U.S. citizen has another side. It is not only a privilege to be an American, but a responsibility. It is the responsibility of every American to maintain the values of freedom and democracy on which this country was founded, even if this means holding on to an opinion shared by few and challenged by many. This is a nation of conflict and compromise, of a balance of powers, and it is our humble duty as Americans to fulfill the wishes of the founders of this country, and see that this delicate balance is maintained. It is also the duty of every American to stand up for the “huddled masses” that remain in the shadows of oppression and injustice. America has long been a stronghold of optimism and independence for the “wretched refuse” of the world, and it is our calling as citizens of the United States to provide protection and relief to those in the world that need it most.

In a world stricken by poverty, and hunger, fear and greed, the United States of America remains proud and powerful, protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of everyone within her walls. It is this notion of immutable freedom and opportunity which makes me realize that being a U.S. citizen is many things, but above all it is an honor to be cherished and protected.

Advocacy Day 2008