A few weeks ago I posted a blog entry about how Meredith had received a 2nd place designation in an Elks Club region wide essay contest. Last night the Elks Club held a special ceremony to honor the winners. Three 5th/6th graders and four 7th/8th graders were honored.
First, each person was presented with a plaque. You can watch in the video below:
After each student received a plaque, the lodge leader announced that he had a special treat for the students. He presented a lodge member who was also an active member of the United States Navy, and this sailor also had something for each of the students. Again, here's the video:
After the presentations, the lodge leaders gave a brief speech, and several of the principals and teachers in attendance complimented the students and the parents.
And here's the essay that garnered all of the attention:
WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO ME
By:Meredith Sweasy
To tell you the truth, I don't really know what freedom means. I used to think freedom meant not having that bossy old king who took our money and used it for himself. Some people think it means getting to do whatever they want to do. But I don't think it means either of those things.
If you ask me, freedom goes with responsibility. You can't have one without the other. If you have just freedom, then you really can do whatever you want. But just responsibility means that you have to work and do nothing else.
I never really thought about what it would be like to live in a dictatorship country or one where a war is raging. People say it would be terrible, and I agree. People lose family to protests and violence, hunger and thirst. Who wants to live in a place like that? I don't believe those countries are truly free.
So I guess freedom means a place where I can learn and eat, without violence and protests. It's a place where I can be friends with people of all nations and not be frowned upon for it. But in living there we must be responsible, such as treating people with respect and working hard, so we can keep our freedoms. Otherwise we don't really deserve it. That, to me, is truly what freedom means.
2 comments:
yea, yea ,yea. She has now exceeded everything I did through the first 2 years of college. This child is a product of great parents and her ability to just want to do it right.
Proud Grandparents sweating in the Florida sun.
Prentiss and Myra
You rock, Meredith Sweasy. A well-written, well-thought out essay. You are wise beyond your years.
Miss Annie Roberts
Post a Comment