Entries by Erica Mitchell

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Hannah Ethridge

Hannah is a 16-year-old Junior at Cedar Hill High School. She pursues her academic goals aggressively and currently boasts a #2 ranking in her class with rigorous Advanced Placement courses. She is actively involved in National Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. Outside of academics, Hannah spends her time perfecting her craft […]

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Gabriel Maggio, Everett, Washington – 2018 Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award Winner

Gabe Maggio is currently in his first year at Villanova University. He is pursuing a degree in Criminology and hopes to declare a double major in Spanish his sophomore year. At Villanova, Gabe is involved in multiple clubs and intramural sports teams. Gabe graduated from Everett High School with honors and was heavily involved in […]

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Lily Sweet King

A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Lily Sweet King is a freshman studying Integrated Marketing Communications at The University of Mississippi. She is a Provost Scholar, member of the MPower Leadership Team, 2018 U.S. Presidential Service Volunteer Award recipient, 2018 VFW State of Florida Scout of the Year, a GOLD award Girl Scout, a pledge of […]

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Isabella Cring

Isabella Cring is a sophomore at Florida State University studying Sociology and Communications. In her free time, she’s involved in the radio station on campus (WVFS Tallahassee) working as the Assignments Editor and a DJ. She also works on campus as an RA. She loves songwriting on her trusty ukulele and can’t wait to record […]

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Vanesa Carrillo

Vanesa Carrillo is a senior at Bel Air High School in El Paso, TX. She is also a part-time Community College student at El Paso Community College where she has earned over 30 college credit hours. Vanesa is the President of her Spanish Honor Society chapter and President/Co-Founder of her school’s first all-girls business empowerment […]

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Kimberly Rostick

Kim Rostick is a fourth grade teacher at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in Tampa, FL. During her 17 years she has been part of a dynamic duo AKA team teaching, enhancing the learning experiences of students. Because all of us are smarter than one of us, she acknowledges the teaching partners she has had […]

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Marie Li

Marie Li, 17, dreams every day of the wild possibilities and improvements scientific innovation can bring to her community and the ways they can be achieved. Excited by the potential of STEM, Marie dedicates herself towards serving the community through scientific innovation which provides her with challenging problems, new opportunities, and surprising solutions that she […]

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Jacob VanDerwerken

More widely known as Jake the Signer on the internet, Jacob VanDerwerken is a sign language innovator focused on sharing goodness through his hands. Over the past few years, Jacob has created and shared videos in sign language on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram which have reached millions of people all around the world. Jacob was […]

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Noah Chaplin

Noah Chaplin, 18, is a homeschool senior from a large military family of ten that currently lives in Fairborn, Ohio. Being a military brat, he has traveled through more than twenty-three states over the past ten years, either by moving or by vacationing. Due to high-functioning autism, Noah is very good at academics, excelling in […]

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Emily VanDerwerken

Emily VanDerwerken, 20, spends her time solving problems with creative caution. From throwing ceramics on a potter’s wheel to designing and sewing her own wedding dress, Emily loves using her hands to create. Emily has been singing for as long as she can remember and started playing the guitar and writing songs a few years […]

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Madeline Peltzer

    Madeline Peltzer is from Phoenix, Arizona and the eldest of three daughters. She is a sophomore at Hillsdale College in Michigan where she is majoring in politics and minoring in economics and journalism. A life-long political junkie, she interned on Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s reelection campaign over the past summer and for her […]

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Tova Love Kaplan

Tova Love Kaplan, 19, currently serves as the National Youth Director for Constituting America and is a three-time winner of the nonprofit’s “We the Future” contest. She is currently a sophomore at Harvard and a host of Constituting America’s Constitutional Chats Podcasts. Her work with Constituting America, beginning at age 14 (age 15 in the […]

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Chris Eshbaugh

Chris Eshbaugh is a 17 year old from Temple, Texas, and is a part of band and theatre at his school. He has participated in at least 30 theatre productions in his life, and is a devoted member of the drum line in his high school’s marching band. His musical experiences in band and theatre […]

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Thomas Norton

Thomas Norton, 10, lives in Grapevine, TX. He’s a 4th grader at Grapevine Faith Christian School and lives with his parents, big sister, and dog, Molly. He has always loved art and enjoys drawing lifelike pictures as well as things from his imagination. When he’s not drawing, he can usually be found playing Minecraft or […]

NANCY TUNIK

Nancy Tunick founded GrassRoots Promotion with Teresa Johnston-Chance in 1996 and has been managing partner of GrassRoots Promotion since 2002 where she presently consults artists and record label clients while directing GrassRoots Promotion’s operations. Nancy also served as Vice-President of Promotion at Warner Bros. Records Nashville, Vice-President of Promotion at VFR Records where her team […]

MONICA CROWLEY

Monica Crowley is an American political commentator and lobbyist. She is a Fox News contributor, where she works from 1996 to 2017, a former online opinion editor for The Washington Times, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

NANCY ARNOLD

Nancy Kay Arnold is a renowned educator of 30 years and author. In addition to writing the beloved children’s books Patriotic Pups, Pioneer Pups, and Pilgrim Pups, Mrs. Arnold also puts on entertaining and informative programs for children and adults about American history and the importance of patriotism.

TERRY CHERRY

A high school teacher for the past 20 years, Terry Cherry has also served as Educator Advisor for the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas, the Dallas Holocaust Museum and is active with the Educators Advisory Council of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank. He is currently present of the National Council for the Social Studies.

JONATHAN FLORA

Jonathan Flora is an award-winning producer with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, also directing commercials and music videos. He is the Director/Producer of the Award Winning Documentary, “Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good” featuring Academy Award Nominated Actor Gary Sinise with appearances by Robert Duvall, Jon Voight, and more. In 2011, he received the […]

SEAN HANNITY

Hannity is an American talk show host, author, and conservative political commentator. Hannity is the host of The Sean Hannity Show, a nationally syndicated talk radio show. He also hosts a cable news show, Hannity, on Fox News Channel. Hannity has received several awards and honors, including a Marconi Award in 2003 and 2007. He […]

JOHN RICH

John Rich is an American country music singer-songwriter. From 1992 to 1998, he was a member of the country music band Lonestar, in which he played bass guitar and alternated with Richie McDonald as lead vocalist. After departing from the band in 1998, he embarked on a solo career on BNA Records in the late […]

BURGESS OWENS

Burgess Owens is a retired safety who played ten seasons in the National Football League for the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders. Owens is the author of an ebook published in August 2012 with the title, It’s All About Team: Exposing the Black Talented Tenth. The book examines how the black community has […]

BRIT HUME

Before joining FOX News in 1996, Hume was with ABC News for 23 years, serving as chief White House correspondent from 1989 through 1996. During his tenure, he contributed to World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, Nightline and This Week, as well as various specials for the news division. Hume joined ABC in 1973 as […]

TAN PARKER

Currently in his sixth term, State Representative Tan Parker represents House District 63 that from Flower Mound to Argyle. Initially elected to office in 2006, Parker is an effective champion for economic development, job creation, tax relief, appraisal reform, border security, and promoting fiscally responsible government spending. For the 85th Legislative Session, Parker was re-appointed […]

GARY SINISE

Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, to a family who supported his artistic endeavors, and encouraged his drive to create. At the age of 10 his parents bought him his first guitar and he played actively in bands into his 20s. Gary began acting during his sophomore year in high school in Highland […]

BRET BAIER

FOX News Channel’s chief political anchor, Bret Baier, is no stranger to Washington, DC. In 2006, he was named Chief White House Correspondent, and covered the second term of the George W. Bush administration. During his tenure at the network, Baier interviewed two sitting Presidents and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He provided coverage […]

CHUCK CANNON

One of Cannon’s first notable compositions was “I Love the Way You Love Me”, a Number One hit for John Michael Montgomery in 1993, which Cannon co-wrote with Victoria Shaw. This song also won the Song of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music awards, which is awarded to songwriters. From there, Cannon […]

LARI WHITE

Lari White is an award-winning recording artist, hit songwriter and producer, indie record label owner, and actress. Her music has earned three Grammys (The Apostle Soundtrack and Amazing Grace 1 and 2: A Country Tribute), and RIAA Gold (Wishes/RCA Records). Lari made music history as the first female producer of a male superstar, producing Toby […]

SUZANNE WEINERT

Suzanne Weinert is the president of Flatiron Pictures which specializes in producing independent feature films throughout the Southwest. Prior to that she interned for director Ron Howard and was the VP of Julia Robert’s Shoelace Productions in NYC. She has been a faculty member at both Fordham University and The School of Visual Arts in […]

ROSS RICHIE

Ross Richie is an American comic book publisher, the founder of Boom! Studios, film producer, television producer, and comic book creator. The New York Times has profiled Richie and his company twice. 20th Century Fox production president Emma Watts called Richie’s company “a publishing powerhouse devoted to original, innovative storytelling and world-class artists” and Deadline.com […]

MICHAEL FLAHERTY

Micheal Flaherty is the co-founder of Walden Media, which produced 30 films since its origin in 2000, grossing more than $3.5 billion in worldwide box office including “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, “The Giver,” “Charlotte’s Web” and the “Journey to the Center of the Earth” franchise. Prior to founding Walden Media in 2001, Flaherty designed […]

FRANCIS X. “CHIP” FLAHERTY

Francis X. “Chip” Flaherty heads up Walden Media’s publishing division, Walden Pond Press. As Publisher, Flaherty has the opportunity to read the literary submissions of some of the best children’s authors in the world, so he is well prepared for his service here. Under Flaherty’s stewardship, Walden Media has published many successful book titles, including […]

RON HALL

Ron Hall is an international art dealer whose long list of regular clients includes many celebrity personalities. He is the writer and producer of the Paramount Pictures film, Same Kind of Different As Me. An MBA graduate of Texas Christian University, he and his wife Beth divide their time between Dallas, New York, and their […]

JOE SCAIFE

GRAMMY nominated producer, Joe Scaife was born in the Mississippi / Arkansas Delta and moved to Nashville, Tennessee as a child. He was influence by musical talents from a very early age, with Southern Rock being perhaps the most prevalent in his productions. He is the son of Music Row Pioneer, Cecil Scaife who was […]

PETER FLAHERTY

Peter Flaherty is a co-founder and principal of The Shawmut Group, a public affairs and strategy consulting group based in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Flaherty is a former Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in Boston where he investigated and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and was a prosecutor in the homicide […]

MARC A. THIESSEN

Marc Theissen is an American author, columnist and political commentator. He served as a speechwriter for United States President George W. Bush (2004–2009) and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (2001–2004). Thiessen’s articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, National Review, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Weekly Standard, USA Today and other […]

GARY DIXON

Gary Dixon is the President of The Foundation for a Better Life. He formerly served as vice president of Bonneville Communications where he directed the creative development of many successful campaigns, including Homefront, Major League Baseball, Children’s Miracle Network and the American Cancer Society. He has also been a speaker at regional and national advertising […]

JAMES C. MILLER III

Jim Miller is an expert on various public policy issues, including federal/state regulatory programs, industrial organization, antitrust, intellectual property, general litigation, fiscal finance, tax structure, federal/state spending, deficits, public choice, campaign finance, and the effects of various laws and regulations on the overall economy. From October 1985 to October 1988, Miller was Director of the […]

KARLA MORTON

As a speaker, poet and photographer, Karla’s work spans many subjects and forms. She is a Betsy Colquitt Award Winner, Eric Hoffer Award Winner, Montaigne Medal Finalist, a two-time Indie Book Award Winner, a North Texas Book Festival Award winner, a nominee for the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and a Pushcart Prize nominee. Widely […]

DR. BRUCE COLE

Bruce Cole is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. His areas of expertise include the teaching of American history and civics, and private and federal cultural policy. Mr. Cole, the former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is the author of fourteen books and numerous articles. Mr. Cole served […]

PHIL TAYLOR

Phil Taylor’s is the founder and artists of the American Fallen Soldiers Project With a deep conviction to bring comfort and hope to the mourning families of our fallen military, The American Fallen Soldiers Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, provides at no cost to the family an exquisitely framed original portrait of their fallen loved […]

SHERRY O. WATTERS

Sherry O. Watters is an artist in Weatherford Texas who hand paints apparel. She began selling her artwork at the prompting of her husband Dennis in 1987. It began with five painted shirts and a few crafts, but quickly outgrew the little space in her husband’s Insurance office. Over the years, her renown expanded and […]

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AMBER HODGE

Amber Hodge, 19, is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. She loves making music. She makes it electronically composed from the piano. Another passion of Amber’s is animals: She volunteers at an animal shelter and is studying to become a veterinarian. Amber is ready to take advantage of all America has to offer […]

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NATALIE CUZMENCO

Natalie Cuzmenco, 19, is from Charlotte, North Carolina and is a sophomore at Elon University. There, she is an Odyssey Scholar, a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, and is in the process of founding a chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. She is majoring in Economics and minoring in Political Science and Spanish. She realized […]

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JONATHAN LUDWIG

Best College Speech: Jonathan Ludwig, 20, was born in Ankara, Turkey, and is in the middle of his junior year at Bob Jones University in his hometown of Greenville, SC. He enjoys extra-curricular activities such as debate, mock trial, and student legislature and has held various leadership positions with those organizations. Jonathan plans to pursue […]

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NIC DOWNS

Best College PSA: Nic Downs, 20, is from Dana Point, California. He will begin his junior year this fall at Point Loma Nazarene University in Southern California. He loves writing, foreign languages, people, and cultures, and always searches for ways to learn more in these areas. Excelling in Italian and French, he has tutored at […]

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DANIELLE RAGIN

Best High School PSA: Danielle Ragin, 16, born on Constitution Day, is a junior attending high school in Plainview, New York. She is active in and out of school as a member of many clubs and plays varsity soccer and lacrosse for her high school and town. Civic minded, Dani participates in many community service […]

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SPENCER KOLSSAK

Best High School Short Film: Spencer Kolssak, 15, is a homeschooled sophomore who lives in Winnetka, Illinois with his mom, dad, and three brothers. Spencer is actively involved in his Boy Scout troop, writes science fiction, and loves to make films. He also has a new interest in speech and debate. He enjoys studying the […]

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KORI CASWELL

Best High School Song: Kori Caswell, 17, is from Hannibal, Missouri, made famous in the writings of Mark Twain. She is a senior at Hannibal High School where she is active in the music department and drum major of the marching band. Kori is well known in her community for her work with literacy, history, […]

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EMILY KEENER

Best Middle School Song: Emily Keener, 12, has been homeschooled since the 2nd grade. She plays the guitar and piano. She has a passion for music and singing and hopes to have a career as a singer/songwriter. When she’s not performing or practicing, she’s playing softball, learning martial arts or reading. Her favorite school subjects […]

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BAILEY GABEL

Best Middle School Essay: Bailey Gabel, 11, is from LaFayette, Colorado and a ranch girl at heart! She lives on a working ranch with her parents and younger sister. Hobbies include singing, showing livestock in 4-H and competing in Little Britches Rodeo. Her favorite saying is “American by birth and Cowgirl by the grace of […]

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JEFFREY PISTOR

Best Poem (grades 3-5): Jeffrey Pistor, 11, is a homeschooled 6th grader from Colleyville, Texas. He is very close with his older brother and younger sister. He has a great love for nature and animals and enjoys monthly campouts with his Boy Scout Troop. He recently achieved 1st Class Rank on his way to Eagle. […]

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MYRA VICCHRILLI

Best Poem (grades K-2): Myra Vicchrilli, 8, was born in Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, and now lives in Wiggins, Colorado. She loves animals. Myra has a horse named Tippsy; two dogs, Dice and Duke; and six cats named Kelsey, Rummy, Sasha, Clide, Molly and Macey. She has a two-year-old sister named Kellie that […]

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EMMA HARRISON

Best Artwork (grades K-2): Emma Harrison, 8, lives in Corinth, Texas with her parents, older sister Abbey, and two cats. Emma is an outgoing, friendly brown haired, brown eyed, left-handed third grader. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, camping, sailing, drawing, taking piano lessons, and attending church. Emma is proud of the […]

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HOLLIE ELLIOT

Best Emblem (grades 3-5): Hollie Elliott, 10, is a native of beautiful and busy Bentonville, Arkansas. She enjoys walking nature trails with her parents, her brother, and their dog. She is a 5th grader at RH Barker Middle School, where her favorite subjects are reading, PE, and math. She has fun riding bikes with friends. […]

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MATTHEW MCNEY

Matthew McNey, 21, was born in Columbia, MD; however, he was raised in College Park, Burtonsville and Laurel. As a product of the American Dream he was instilled with strong religious convictions, hard work and dedication. He was not born into a rich family; his was a family best characterized as middle class, a family […]

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KORI CASWELL

Kori Caswell, 18, Best College Song Winner, is from Hannibal, Missouri, made famous in the writings of Mark Twain. She is now a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville, TN where she is a commercial double Bass major. Kori is in the honors program and is in the university’s symphony. Kori is well known in […]

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KENTHIA FARMER

Kenthia Farmer, 19, Best College Short Film Winner, is a sophomore from Memphis, TN. Her parents are Kenneth and Cynthia Farmer. Growing up in Memphis allowed her to be introduced, consistently, to so much history: from music to civil rights. Kenthia loves retelling history in various and creative ways using her artistic skills she acquired […]

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SHELBY SEYMORE

Shelby Seymore, 19, Best College PSA Winner, has begun her sophomore year at Angelo State University this fall. She enjoys video production, art such as drawing and painting, reading about US history, and actively discussing the issues of the day. She is currently studying a major in Communications, specializing in Radio/TV/Film. She first began video […]

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JACOB SCHLIESMAN

Jacob Schliesman, 18, Best High School PSA Winner, is beginning his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, studying Media Arts and Game Development. Jacob was homeschooled in Kenosha, WI for over ten years, and took private drawing and animation lessons for about six years. He enjoys comic books, roleplaying games, and working […]

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CHASITY CAGLE

Chasity Cagle, 17, Best High School Short Film Winner, is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. She attends Lowndes High School and presides over the SkillsUSA chapter where she competes in video production. Chasity is also involved in the community through Moody Air Force Base Youth Programs, a center for military teens. She hopes to become […]

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COLTON HINDERLITER

Colton Hinderliter, 16, Best High School Short Film Winner, lives in Marietta, Georgia and attends Keystone National Online High School. He is active in the arts of all sorts, from performing on stage to writing screenplays and poetry. He is an intern at the historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre working in arts administration. He also […]

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ANNIE NIRSCHEL

Annie Nirschel, 17, Best High School Song Winner, is a senior at the Academy of Information, Technology and Engineering in Stamford, Connecticut. Her interests include film production, art, and musical composition. She plays the piano, guitar, ukulele and banjo. Annie has been singing for years; her first performance was the National Anthem at a Bridgeport […]

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BROOKE WADE

Brooke Wade, 17, Best High School Essay Winner, is a homeschooled senior from Tampa, Florida. She has a passion for American providential history and the Constitution and aspires to be a constitutional lawyer. Over the past two years, she has actively participated in moot court competitions, arguing 1st, 4th, and 5th Amendment issues and achieving […]

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JESSIE LIZ CLEMENT

Jessie Liz Clement, 13, Best Middle School Song Winner, is a musically gifted singer-songwriter from Lafayette, Tennessee. She is the youngest of four children and is homeschooled through Classical Conversations’ Challenge program. Self-taught on the guitar, piano, ukulele, and mandolin, Jessie writes songs about life and the world around her. Her debut album, “Hey World,” […]

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EVELYN HANKS

Evelyn Hanks, 14, Best Middle School Essay Winner, is a homeschooled student from Garner, NC. Evelyn enjoys reading, creative writing, piano and guitar. She is involved in debate club. Other hobbies include bead work, duct tape crafts, and crochet. Evelyn has one older sister and one younger brother. She is active in her church, where […]

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BETHANY COOKSEY

Bethany Cooksey, 11, Best Poem Winner, Grades 3-5, lived in Japan as the daughter of missionaries until the age of five, when her family moved to beautiful McMinnville, Oregon. She was born in Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu and is the fifth of eight happy homeschooled children. She loves Bible Bee, Antonin Dvorak’s music, […]

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ABIGAIL OLSCHEWSKI

Abigail Olschewski, 7, Best Poem Winner, Grades K-2, just started the second grade at Promontory School of Expeditionary Learning. She lives with her parents and two older brothers in the beautiful little town of Brigham City about 60 miles north of Salt Lake City in the mountains of Utah. She loves to read, sing, whistle, […]

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PREITY CHAVAN

Preity Chavan, 9, Best Artwork Winner, is a social and fun loving 4th grader at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School in Peach State- Alpharetta, Georgia. She lives with her parents and her older sister. Preity likes to sing, dance and ride her bike. Her favorite subjects at school are Math, Science, Music and Art. In her […]

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BOBBIE BRAMLETT

Bobbie Bramlett, 82, Best Senior Essay Winner, is a native of Oklahoma. She and her husband, Bill, have lived in Colorado the past six years. She is active in her local P.E.O. Chapter, plays mahjong, and likes to walk and play golf. Bobbie’s great granddaughter, Halley Moak, was a Constituting America winner in 2010, and […]

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NATHAN & GAYLE POOL

Gayle Poole, Best Short Film Winner, Adult Category, was born in Houston, Texas. Gayle is the mom to four adult children and the Mamie to three wonderful grandkids. She works with the primary children’s organization in her church and is taking sign language classes at the local junior college. She loves reading history, doing photo […]

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JUSTIS WARD

Justis Ward, 18, Best College Song Winner, is from Douglasville, Georgia. He is a Freshman at Mercer University and is currently on a Pre-Med track. He recently graduated from Central High School, where he was MVP on his Varsity Basketball Team and Student Body President. Along with his high school activities, he volunteered over 3000 […]

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MICAH EDWARDS

Micah Edwards, 18, Best College Song Winner, lives in Houston, Texas. Currently, a junior at the University of Houston, he is part of the Bauer School of Business and pitches for the university’s baseball team. Along with his sister, he is also the co-founder, pianist, and lead singer of the locally popular Jazz/Pop group LEYBON […]

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THOMAS COOKE

Thomas Cooke, 20, Best College Speech Winner, is originally from Hastings, Nebraska. He is beginning his junior year at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where he is an editor for the school newspaper’s opinion section, Chair of Cornell’s College Republicans chapter, and a competitor on the Mock Trial team. His mother teaches English as […]

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AMANDA TESAREK (2013 WINNER)

Amanda Tesarek, 19, Best College Short Film Winner, is from Superior, Wisconsin, and attends Columbia University in New York City. She is currently a sophomore, and plans to pursue a double major in biochemistry and political science and a minor in Arabic language. Her extracurricular activities have included student government, newspaper, and improvisational comedy. Amanda […]

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EMILY CARNEVALE

Emily Carnevale, 19, Best College PSA Winner, has begun her sophomore year at Denison University. She enjoys video production, art and discussing political and social issues. She especially enjoys writing and performing original slam poetry and is now an established poet on stage and in print. Through her powerful performances and films, Emily has been […]

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NICOLE REED

Nicole Reed, 17, Best High School PSA Winner, is from Oak Lawn, Illinois and is a senior attending Harold L. Richards High School. She is currently involved in her school and community in many ways. She is Class President, a varsity cheerleader, a leader in her school Bible club, a member of the senior leadership […]

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COLTON HINDERLITER

Colton Hinderliter, 17, Best High School PSA Winner, lives in Marietta, GA and is currently a senior at Keystone National High School. Colton won last year’s Constituting America We the People 9.17 Contest in the Best High School Short Film category. Colton is actively involved in the arts in his community and is a professional […]

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JOSEF JUHNKE

Josef Junek, (pronounced: YOU-nek), 15, Best High School Short Film Winner, currently lives in Rosenberg, Texas, U.S.A., North America, Planet Earth, with his parents, three sisters, one brother, numerous pets, and the occasional door-to-door vacuum salesman. He is home-schooled, which allows him and his brother plenty of time to experiment with making other short films. […]

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KORY SHORE (2013 WINNERS)

Kory Shore, 16, Best High School Song Winner, hails from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He’s been musical his entire life — a drummer at 3-years old, piano and singing at 6, and composing at 12. His first music video, “Crying for America” went viral and was featured on several national news outlets. He’s passionate about freedom and […]

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CAROLINE CLAUSON

Caroline Clauson, 16, Best High School Essay Winner, is a resident of Xenia, Ohio and is a student at Xenia Christian School. She has studied classical violin for seven years and enjoys playing fiddle music on her violin and mandolin. Caroline runs track and cross-country and participates in choir and orchestra. This semester she is […]

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JESSIE LIZ CLEMENT

Jessie Liz Clement, 14, Best Middle School Song Winner, is a musically gifted singer-songwriter from Lafayette, Tennessee. She is the youngest of four children and is home-schooled through Classical Conversations’ Challenge program. Jessie was honored to be Constituting America’s Best Middle School Song winner in 2012 and, in turn, had the high honor of singing […]

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TIFFANY CURTIS

Tiffany Curtis, 15, Best Middle School Essay Winner, resides in Smithville, Ohio. Since Preschool she has gone to Wooster Christian School, and will now go on to Smithville High School. Her favorite subjects are Reading, Art, and History. She served as Student Council President during her 8th grade year at Wooster Christian. Tiffany has one […]

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LINDSAY CULPEPPER

Lindsay Culpepper, 11, Best Poem Winner, lives in Maylene, AL, just south of Birmingham. She is a sixth grader at Evangel Classical Christian School, where she enjoys studying science, Latin, and history. In her free time, she likes reading, writing, art, horseback riding, and playing basketball. An animal lover, she has attended Zoo Camp at […]

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GRACE CANALES

Grace Canales, 7, Best Artwork Winner, lives in Corpus Christi, Texas with her parents, older sister Becca, and younger brother Michael. School is cool for Grace as a 2nd grade scholar at Luther Jones Elementary. Three recent achievements include her being the Top Accelerated Reader in her class, earning 2nd place in the 2013 Law […]

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RON MEIER

Ron Meier, 71, Best Senior Essay Winner, moved to Cumming Georgia from Colorado in 2011 to be near two grandchildren. He retired after a career in investment analysis & management, personal finance, accounting, banking, and financial education, during which time he authored many articles and seminars for adult learners. Volunteering in his church and community, […]

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JUSTIN DIETRICH

Justin Dietrich, 28, Best Grad/Law College Speech Winner, is a native of Bluffdale, Utah, but has also lived in California and Russia. He is a father of three and a second year master’s student at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Justin is pursuing a Master of Engineering degree with an emphasis in hydraulics and […]

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JOY FROST (2014 WINNER)

Joy Frost, 22, Best College Song Winner, is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. She currently lives in Germany where she is studying music production. She is working hard at establishing herself as an independent songwriter abroad and hopes to one day soon have her work appear in film, TV, and on the radio.

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JIM BOOKER

James Booker, 22, Best College Song Winner, is a native of Portland, Michigan. He attends Belmont University as an audio engineering technology major and has interned for Soundcheck Nashville and Station West Studios. James has been involved in his local community arts council and has performed music for three Relay For Life events in Michigan. […]

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ISAIAH JACKSON

Isaiah Jackson, 18, Best College Song Winner, is from Chicago, Illinois. Isaiah is a poet, hip hop artist and songwriter. He grew up with four brothers and spiritual parents who taught him the love of God, and this is what instilled in him to write music for the people especially those who went through some […]

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JEWEL GILBERT (2014 WINNER)

Jewel Gilbert, 20, Best College Speech Winner, is from Easton, Pennsylvania and a Freshman at Muhlenberg College. He is extremely grateful to have had his speech chosen as the Winner of Constituting America. Jewel has three passions: To serve God, play football, and perform with Sing For America. Sing for America is a charitable group […]

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CAMBRIA MAGNUSON

Cambria Magnuson, 19, Best College Short Film Winner, is from Fort Collins, Colorado. She discovered her passion for videography in her junior year video production class taught by Ron Clark at Rocky Mountain High School. She has used her skills to shoot weddings, sporting events and other miscellaneous projects. In addition to her passion for […]

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JESSICA MULDER

Jessica Mulder, 20, Best College PSA Winner, is from Williamsburg, Michigan and a sophomore majoring in government at Patrick Henry College. Currently, her plan is to focus on education and economic policy. She believes that the American government is a reflection of its citizens, and is passionate about creating an educational environment where American students […]

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LAURA LEIGH HICKS

Laura Leigh Hicks, 18, Best High School PSA Winner, is a native of Steens, Mississippi. She is a home educated student and serves as president of her homeschool group’s chapter of the Eta Sigma Alpha Honor Society. Laura Leigh looks forward to attending Mississippi State University next fall (where she was recently accepted into the […]

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MELISSA, 17 & KELLY WOODFORD, 15

Melissa Woodford, 17, and Kelly Woodford, 15, Best High School PSA Winners, are sisters who live in New City, New York and homeschooled. They both love singing for the Lord and are actively involved in a Christian Ministry Chorale that will be touring in Hungary next spring. In addition, Melissa and Kelly both take pleasure […]

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FRANK BOUDON

Frank Boudon, 17, Best High School PSA Winner, is a senior at Troy High School in Troy, Michigan. He is an avid filmmaker, working on productions for his school district’s cable crew as well as independent projects. Frank’s other interests include politics and service; he is president of his school’s Model United Nations delegation and […]

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KORY SHORE

Kory Shore, 17, Best High School Song Winner, hails from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He is a singer, songwriter and gifted musician with talent and charisma. Kory began playing drums at age 3. (See the video.), break dancing at 4, piano at 6, singing at 8, and started writing music at age 12. He’s now 16 and […]

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SOPHIA MAGGIO

Sophia Maggio, 16, Best High School Essay Winner, is a resident of Everett, Washington, and a student at the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA). She has played select soccer for seven years and is a captain of her high school cross country team. She loves art and spends most of her free time drawing, reading, […]

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ROSALVA CRUZ HERNANDEZ

Rosalva (Rosie) Cruz Hernandez, 15, Best Middle School Essay Winner, is from Bonita Springs, Florida. Rosie is an eighth grader at Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts. As a sixth grader, Rosie received the Take Stock in Children’s Scholarship which will pay for her tuition to any Florida state college. Rosie has attended and […]

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ANYA AMBARISH

Anya Ambarish, 10, Best Elementary School Poem Winner, lives in Dulles, Virginia. She goes to Rosa Lee Carter Elementary school and is in the fifth grade. Her favorite subject at school is reading, and she also enjoys science and social studies. She is passionate about poetry, writing, reading, tennis, basketball and ping-pong. Many of her […]

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JAMES CORLEY SANDERS

James Corley Sanders, 10, Best Elementary School Artwork Winner, lives in Trout, Louisiana. He is an honor student in the 5th grade at Fellowship Elementary, where he participates in the gifted enrichment program. He is currently serving as Vice President of the 4-H Club. He is a member of the 4-H Competitive Shooting Sports Team, […]

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NANCY ARNOLD

For thirty years as a school teacher, Nancy K. Arnold, shared her love of America and its history with her students. Though now retired, she continues to share this love through the children’s books she writes. Her goals continue to be to excite children about American history, and to help insure that they understand the […]

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JOY FROST

Joy Frost, 23, second time Best College Song Winner, is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. She currently is studying abroad in Germany, majoring in music production. She is working hard at establishing herself as an independent songwriter and has signed several tracks to film and TV music libraries. She is currently recording her […]

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ZURIEL FERGUSON

Zuriel Ferguson, 22, from Richmond, Virginia. Ever since Zuriel was a child he has been inspired to create films and tell stories. In 2011, he began to take video production and cinematography very serious by working with the Comcast Public Broadcasting organization in Richmond, VA as one of the producer/technicians while beginning to work in […]

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NOLAN HICKS

Nolan Hicks, 20, Best College PSA Winner, is a native of Steens, Mississippi. He is a formerly home educated student currently attending Mississippi State University pursuing a degree in Communications as a member of the Shackouls Honors College. Studying with an emphasis in broadcast media, he hopes to pursue a career in filmmaking and visual […]

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LAUREN SWEERS

Lauren Sweers, 19, Best College PSA Winner, is from Middleville, Michigan and is currently a sophomore at Hope College in Holland, Michigan majoring in Secondary English Education and minoring in History Education. She is passionate about educating America’s young people so that they can think critically and express their ideas and beliefs confidently. She considers […]

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HANNAH COOKSEY

Hannah Cooksey, 19, Best College Speech winner, lives in beautiful McMinnville, Oregon with her parents and seven siblings. She is studying to be a paralegal at Oak Brook College of Law. She loves Jesus, spending time with friends and family, cooking, playing violin and piano, teaching music lessons, and going on mission trips. Hannah was […]

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AMANDA TESAREK

Amanda Tesarek, 21, Best College Speech winner, originally hails from Superior, Wisconsin but has since settled in New York City. As a senior at Columbia University, she studies Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies and is learning to speak Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, and Farsi. She is currently in the process of writing a thesis […]

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ABDUL REID & JANAYE MASTERS

Abdul was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Douglasville, Georgia, a small town outside of Atlanta, in 2010. Abdul has been working on music ever since he was 11 years old. HeI became interested in music because his older brothers were doing it and he wanted to be just like them. Abdul started producing […]

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DARBY AFFORD

Darby Ufford, 17, Best High School PSA Winner, is a native of Richland, Washington, and is currently a senior at Hanford High School. In middle school, she found inspiration in photography and began taking photos of everything from urban landmarks to rural sceneries. She is an active member of her community and enjoys volunteering. In […]

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MADELINE PELTZER

Madeline Peltzer, 17, is from Phoenix, Arizona. She is the oldest of three girls and has been homeschooled all her life. Madeline has been involved in politics since she was in a stroller attending district meetings and rallies with her parents. She is a longtime volunteer with her state’s family-policy and legislative council and has […]

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KATIE CROSBY

Katie Crosby – Best High School Short Film Short Film Title: “Forthcoming Life in America” Minnesota Katie Crosby, 15, Winner of High School Short Film Contest, is from Ramsey, Minnesota. She attends PACT Charter School and is a sophomore. Some of Katie’s passions include photography and theatre. She discovered her love for theatre through her […]

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LEAH RENNER

Leah Renner, 14, Best Middle School Essay Winner, has grown up in the south suburbs of Chicago. She currently lives in Worth, Illinois where she is home schooled. Leah enjoys basketball, running, and writing for her blog. Leah participates in her church youth group and various activities through her homeschool cooperative. After finishing high school, […]

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ANTHONY BESHIRS

Anthony Beshirs is currently a freshman at Garland High School who learned about Constituting America’s “We The Future” contest when Janine Turner came to his middle school to speak. Anthony is inspired by the way the Constitution helps us in our every day lives. He says he learned from entering the contest that “great things […]

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CAMPBELL COLLINS

Campbell Collins, 10, Best Elementary School Poem Winner, is a homeschooled 5th grader from Austin, Texas. She loves to Irish dance, swim, and write. Her favorite subjects are English and art history. Campbell is also a committed Girl Scout. In fact, she wrote this poem in order to earn a Girl Scout Constitution badge. Campbell […]

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MARIN MCKINNEY

Marin Mckinney, 9, lives in Ballwin, Missouri. She is homeschooled and is in the fourth grade. Her favorite subject in school is reading, and she also enjoys history and math. Her favorite historical time period is the American Revolution. Marin has taken art classes every week for the last three+ years and loves it! She […]

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OCIPARE “KEY” MCKINLEY

Ocipare McKinley is a 45 year old wife, mother, performer and entrepreneur. Most people affectionately call her Key; she is originally from Hartford, Connecticut and she now resides in Columbus, Ohio. Key graduated with honors from the Ohio Center of Broadcasting with her diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting and she is matriculating at Franklin […]

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CODY WOODS

Cody Woods is a Sophomore at Morehouse College majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Atlanta, GA. Cody shared his story with us. In my life, there have been three teachers that have taught me so much, and those teachers are Adversity, Pain, and Failure. When I was young I was ridiculed […]

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DESTINY DUKES

Destiny Dukes, 18, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, but raised in Norfolk, Virginia. Destiny is currently a freshman at Tidewater Community College. She has always had a fascination in United States history and stays current with the politics of her country. She is the second oldest of five and has a total of eight […]

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OCTAVIA TAYLOR

For over 45 years, Octavia Taylor inspired her students in the Camden High School classroom to achieve their personal best in their lives, as well as in volleyball, tennis, drill/dance team and gymnastics. She was a role model that many students followed into their own teaching professions. Her popularity is evident when she is greeted […]

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ROBERT MOAK

Bob has been an equine veterinarian for 42 years. He attended Louisiana State University and Oklahoma State University. He is a race track veterinarian, and spent the majority of his career at paramutual race tracks in Louisiana and California. He has been semi-retired since 1999, and lives in Estes Park, Colorado with his wife, Linda. […]

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OLETTA BRANSTITER

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, but have lived in Texas for over 30 years. I’ve been married for almost 35 years, we have two grown children and two grandchildren. After homeschooling my daughter, I started working at our neighborhood elementary school as a 4th Grade Aide, then a para-librarian. […]

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JESSE BLUMA

I am from Monarch Beach, California and currently a world history teacher at Serrano Intermediate School in Lake Forest, California. The students in my classes are fascinating people and I am confident in their abilities to learn, grow, and make valuable contributions to our society. That is why I collaborate with other teachers to do […]

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MARIN MCKINNEY

Marin Mckinney, 10, lives in Ballwin, Missouri. She is homeschooled and is in the fourth grade. Her favorite subject in school is reading, and she also enjoys history and math. Her favorite historical time period is the American Revolution. Marin has taken art classes every week for the last three+ years and loves it! She […]

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REBECCA CANALES

With this poetry category, Becca creatively had fun while using the French political philosopher’s name (Montesquieu) in an acrostic to enlighten the reader of our nation’s ‘Checks and Balances’ system. Becca, 12, is currently a 6th grader at London ISD and lives with her parents, younger sister and two brothers in the sparkling city of […]

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FAITH LIU

Faith Liu, 22, grew up in Morganville, New Jersey, spending most of her high school years writing and producing short films within a small company of friends. She received her B.A. in English and Music from Hillsdale College, where she designed and directed two student productions – Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Shakespeare’s Macbeth – […]

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MATT FITZGIBBONS

Since 2004, Matt Fitzgibbons has been writing non-partisan music that celebrates America’s founding principles. His goal is to inspire people to think, learn and talk about individual liberty. Fitzgibbons has released four albums which have received many honors including two ASCAPlus awards, a song featured in a documentary on the Right to Bear Arms, a […]

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LUCAS ELLIOTT

Lucas Elliott is a second grader from Wake Forest, North Carolina. His favorite subjects in school are math and reading. Since he is the youngest of four children, he is well versed in making sure his thoughts and ideas are not ever lost in the shuffle. He loves to entertain and is excited about all […]

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LIRIT KAYE

Lirit Kaye, 10, lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She attends Benchmark Elementary School and is in the fourth grade. Her favorite subjects are math and art. Drawing always has been Lirit’s passion. She has taken art classes at the Carrie Curran Art Studios in Scottsdale and from Mrs. Blanco in the Benchmark after school program. Lirit […]

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HALLEY MOAK

Halley is a native Coloradan, and is an 8th grade home schooled student. She has studied piano, music theory and plays the ukulele. Halley keeps busy with her nine chickens, two Schnauzers and three horses. She enjoys riding the trails, participating in the rodeo and is a committed hunter/jumper equestrian athlete. Halley loves history and […]

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SARAH LEARNED

I am homeschooled and I live in Sanford, Florida. I love to sing and write songs, Other things that I enjoy are drawing, swimming, filming, and dancing. I play the ukulele and piano. I love animals and have two dogs and a turtle. I like to hangout with my friends and we usually make songs […]

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QUENTIN FULTON

Quinten, 15, Best Middle School Entrepreneurial Winner, lives in Suwanee, GA and is currently a freshman in high school. He plays basketball and enjoys drawing and listening to music. Quinten’s favorite subjects are Social Studies and Science. Quinten recently traveled to Vermont and New Jersey to see extended family and looks to travel more in […]

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VICTORIA GRUEN

Victoria Gruen, 13, lives in California. Her favorite subject in school is early American history. Pounding her soul out on the piano is one of her favorite things to do. She likes needlework, and is currently sewing time-period clothing. Among her favorite authors are Austen and Alcott; her favorite books are Pride and Prejudice and […]

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ANDREW COOKSEY

Andrew Cooksey, 12, enjoys rafting, target shooting, road trips, skiing, basketball, politics, camping, and other outdoor activities. He lives near Portland, Oregon. He is homeschooled, plays in an orchestra, and his favorite subject is Greek. He also enjoys history and math. He likes to try out new Mexican restaurants with his brothers.

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CLAIRE LEDFORD

Claire Ledford, 12 is the winner of the Middle School Essay Contest. She is a homeschooler from Sanford, North Carolina. She enjoys reading, writing and watching movies. Some of her favorite books are A Girl of the Limberlost, the Serafina series and Cracker. She also loves to travel and is working on a travel challenge […]

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GREG VOLYNSKY

Greg Volynsky, 17, the best entrepreneurship winner, is a native of New Jersey and a student at the Bergen County Academies. Throughout his high school career, Greg has continually explored various fields; engineering research became an entrepreneurial experience, passionate discussions turned into formal debate. Greg is an active method of the Junior Statesmen of America […]

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CAMERON GRAVES

My name is Cameron Alexander Graves. I was born on Oct 30, 1998 in Portsmouth, Virginia and moved to Alexandria, VA in 2007. I am currently a senior at T.C. Williams High School and plan on going to college to get my masters’s in Business. Ever since the age of 14, I’ve been a huge […]

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BEN PHIBBS

Ben Phibbs is a 17-year old homeschool junior from North Carolina who plans to attend Patrick Henry College in preparation for a career in constitutional law. Inspired by his parents to revere the treasured tradition of American Republicanism, Ben has, from a young age, admired the rich history of the Founding and laudable structure of […]

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ISABELLA CRING

As a senior at Western High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Isabella Cring, 17, is already a veteran in vocal performance and local theater. With musicals, open mic nights, coffee houses, civic organizations and even a lead singer at the Renaissance, where she performs weekly in her father’s church, she has scattered the seeds of […]

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XAVIER “JACK” DUFFY

Jack Duffy is a freshman at Newman Catholic High School in Wausau, Wisconsin. At the age eleven he discovered filmmaking and it has been his passion ever since. Jack loves to free ski, run track, and play soccer, but he spends most of his time watching movies, script writing, shooting, editing, and working to earn […]

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GRACE FLORING – Best High School PSA 2016/Best College STEM Project 2017

Grace Floring, 19, is the 2017 Best College STEM winner and 2016 Best High School PSA winner. She grew up in Delaware, Ohio and is currently an undergraduate student at Case Western Reserve University studying Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Grace has always been interested in science and math, and someday hopes to inspire young women […]

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KIRA MATHIESEN

Kira Mathiesen is 18 and currently in Boston, Massachusetts studying Biochemistry on a Pre-Med track. She is originally from Santa Cruz California, where she was first inspired to get active politically in her community, and now participates in many marches and peaceful protests on the east coast. She is working hard to make sure her […]

JANINE TURNER

Janine Turner is a native Texan raised by her father, Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr., from Athens, Texas and her mother, Janice Gauntt, from San Antonio, Texas. At the age of fifteen, Janine journeyed to New York City to become the youngest model at the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency. At age seventeen, Janine was in Hollywood launching […]

CATHY GILLESPIE

Cathy Gillespie has held numerous positions in government and politics over the past 30 years. She has served as a congressional chief of staff (Congressman Joe Barton), campaign manager, fundraiser and grassroots organizer. Women’s outreach has been a special interest of Cathy’s and in 2004 she served as Director of President Bush’s W Stands for […]

JAMES (JAY) MCCONVILLE

Jay McConville is a military veteran, management professional, and active civic volunteer currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to beginning his doctoral studies, he held multiple key technology and management positions within the Aerospace and Defense industry, […]

Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson joined Thompson Hospitality in November 1992. As CAO he is responsible for monitoring and maintaining corporate overhead costs and services, including vendor contracts, subcontracts, commissions and procurement contract negotiations. Fred is also responsible for client relations in the contract food service sector of Thompson Hospitality. Fred Thompson has nearly 20 years experience in […]

CINDY CLARK

Cindy Sue Clark is a proven businesswoman and grassroots political activist who is deeply involved in private and political leadership at the state and national level. As a successful businesswoman, Cindy Sue had served as an executive with Triple Five Corporation, and continues to provide business strategy counsel for them. Some of the projects of […]

CHUCK CLOWDIS

Chuck Clowdis is the Managing Director for Transportation for HIS Economics and Country Risk. Mr. Clowdis is a frequent speaker for industry and civic groups on the current happenings in transportation and logistics. Mr. Clowdis leads IHS consulting projects tailored for both private and public sector clients, such as Federal and State Departments of Transportation, […]

KRISTIE MCCRARY

Kristie McCrary is an attractive, articulate, seasoned executive with 21 years experience in making things happen where others were not able to. She is one of those unusual people who not only arranges for others to appear on TV but has been personally featured in bumper segments herself. http://www.cbn.com/tv/1412974990001 Kristie is trusted and respected by […]

LINDA MOAK

Linda Moak is a former dental hygienist and homeschooling grandmother. She has been involved with Constituting America since its inception. Linda is the founder of one of Constituting America’s first Patriot Clubs, and her grand daughter, Halley Moak, was the first winner of Constituting America’s We The Future poetry contest in 2010. Linda’s mother was […]

AMBER MCNUTT

I’m originally from West Memphis, Arkansas, but Corsicana, Texas is my home. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from University of Arkansas, and I am a Certified Public Accountant. I have 5 children and a wonderful husband Bob. Our family business is Collin Street Bakery. And we have M Crowd restaurant group […]

PAM PRYOR

Pam Pryor is the president and owner of Pryor Works – a public affairs firm that focusses on communication, strategy, marketing and training. With both political and corporate clients, she teaches organizational skills and team building such as StrengthsFinders, for which she is Gallup-certified. She taught speech communication on the university level and was a […]

MITCH ROPER

Mr. Roper graduated in 1982 from the University of Missouri in Rolla with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. Mr. Roper has 31 years of experience in the natural gas and oil and gas production business. After 7 years in various engineering and business positions with Tenneco Oil Company and various affiliates of […]

PHIL ROSENTHAL

Phil Rosenthal graduated from WVU in 1964 with a business management degree. He has been the President of Nationwide Credit Corporation, a third party debt collection agency, since 1970. Under Phil’s guidance, the company continues to grow and prosper. The collection industry’s trade association, American Collectors Association International (ACA) elected Phil as an officer in […]

DENNIS STEPHENS

W. Dennis Stephens is a government affairs counselor at K&L Gates. He previously served as a senior staff member for several House Republican members, including former Majority Leader Dick Armey. Dennis has more than 35 years working in Republican campaigns, policy, and political matters including more than 19 years experience as a Republican lobbyist. Dennis […]

MARIJO TINLIN

Author of How to Raise An American Patriot, Making it Okay for Our Kids to Be Proud to Be American, blogger, podcaster and editor for several sites, and Chief Content Creator for Sunrise Business Consulting, her own company. Also currently working full-time as the Local Outreach Director for the largest church in Colorado. She has […]

CATHY TRIPODI

Cathy Tripodi is the director of business affairs at the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Prior she served as the director of energy for former Governor Mitch Daniels, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and lead the state’s efforts to attract jobs in energy and automotive advanced manufacturing sectors and assisted existing Indiana companies to […]

MATTHEW MCNEY

Matthew McNey, 21, was born in Columbia, MD; however, he was raised in College Park, Burtonsville and Laurel. As a product of the American Dream he was instilled with strong religious convictions, hard work and dedication. He was not born into a rich family; his was a family best characterized as middle class, a family […]

AMANDA TESAREK

Amanda Tesarek, 19, Best College Short Film Winner, is from Superior, Wisconsin, and attends Columbia University in New York City. She is currently a sophomore, and plans to pursue a double major in biochemistry and political science and a minor in Arabic language. Her extracurricular activities have included student government, newspaper, and improvisational comedy. Amanda […]

JULIETTE TURNER

Juliette has been able to learn from her mother’s power to prevail while sharing many of the same life interests. Juliette wrote the bestselling book Our Constitution Rocks!(HarpersCollins/Zondervan) at age 12. Our Constitution Rocks, currently in its second printing with over 50,000 copies sold, is endorsed by Former First Ladies Laura and Barbara Bush, President […]

LANEY KRAUS-TADDEO

Laney Kraus-Taddeo, 17, Best High School Short Film Winner, lives in Park Ridge, Illinois, and is currently a senior at Maine South High School. She has worked as a professional actress since the age of nine, appearing in both live theater productions and short films. In high school she discovered a love of video and […]

NIC DOWNS

Nic Downs, 20, is from Dana Point, California. He will begin his junior year this fall at Point Loma Nazarene University in Southern California. He loves writing, foreign languages, people, and cultures, and always searches for ways to learn more in these areas. Excelling in Italian and French, he has tutored at Saddleback College and […]

BEST COLLEGE SPEECH BY JEWEL GILBERT

Jewel Gilbert, 20, Best College Speech Winner, is from Easton, Pennsylvania and a Freshman at Muhlenberg College. He is extremely grateful to have had his speech chosen as the Winner of Constituting America. Jewel has three passions: To serve God, play football, and perform with Sing For America. Sing for America is a charitable group […]

LINDSAY CULPEPPER

Lindsay Culpepper, 11, Best Poem Winner, lives in Maylene, AL, just south of Birmingham. She is a sixth grader at Evangel Classical Christian School, where she enjoys studying science, Latin, and history. In her free time, she likes reading, writing, art, horseback riding, and playing basketball. An animal lover, she has attended Zoo Camp at […]

ANYA AMBARISH

Anya Ambarish, 10, Best Elementary School Poem Winner, lives in Dulles, Virginia. She goes to Rosa Lee Carter Elementary school and is in the fifth grade. Her favorite subject at school is reading, and she also enjoys science and social studies. She is passionate about poetry, writing, reading, tennis, basketball and ping-pong. Many of her […]

MARYEM BOUATLAOUI

Maryem Bouatlaoui, 10, Best Emblem Winner, is a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was born in Morocco. Maryem attends Henry W. Lawton Elementary School. She is involved in a lot of afterschool programs like The Choir Club, Patriots Club and Environmental Club. Maryem also enjoys drawing and hopes to become a doctor when she grows […]

HALLEY MOAK

Halley is 16 years old, and enjoys history and horses. She was a Best Poem winner in Constituting America’s inaugural year, and won Honorable Mention in Middle School for her song about the Bill of Rights.  Halley initiated Constituting America’s Colorado Patriot Club.  She lives in Estes Park, Colorado where she participates in 4-H, her youth group “The Huddle,” Rooftop Rodeo […]

LAUREL ASNESS

Laurel Asness has been active in many charitable endeavors including autism research, education, and many Nebraskan specific charities. Along with her husband Cliff, Managing Principal of AQR Capital Management, Laurel has helped advance think tanks focused on national security and education advocacy groups designed to help close Connecticut’s achievement gap. Laurel previously worked in both […]

THE HONORABLE WILLIAM J. BENNETT

William J. Bennett is one of America’s most important, influential and respected voices on cultural, political, and education issues. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Bill Bennett studied philosophy at Williams College (B.A.) and the University of Texas (Ph.D.) and earned a law degree from Harvard. He is the Washington Fellow of the Claremont Institute […]

JEREMY KINNEY

Jeremy Kinney is the President of Kinney Oil. He is the former Chairman of Opera Colorado, and currently serves as an Honorary Director of Opera Colorado. Mr. Kinney is the current Chairman of the Tesoro Foundation, doing business as the Tesoro Cultural Center (Tesoro means “treasure” in Spanish), whose mission is to protect and make […]

THE HONORABLE ANITA MCBRIDE

Anita B. McBride was appointed as Executive in Residence at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University’s School of Public Affairs in April 2010. Mrs. McBride was the committee chair for the “The Legacies of America’s First Ladies” conference held in March 2011, which examined both the powerful job and the women […]

SUZY PENCE

Suzy Pence has enjoyed participating in the educational, philanthropic, cultural and political affairs of the Washington D.C. region for over forty years. Suzy appreciates and supports multiple efforts to enhance the education of America’s younger generations. She has been active in building the new law school library at American University, as well as various construction […]

JERI THOMPSON

Jeri Thompson is a stay at home mom, who in between car pools, play dates and classroom projects, provides commentary for a number of radio, TV and online outlets. Topics often include policy and politics in the context of how such things affect moms and families. She can frequently be seen on Fox News shows, […]

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CHRIS FOSTER

Chris Foster, a descendent of President John Adams, is an independent insurance agent with Brown & Brown; past president of W.R. Reed & Company in Portland, Oregon. A graduate of Oregon State University, Foster holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Science and has completed post-graduate studies in business. […]

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DENISE FULLER

Denise Fuller graduated from Texas A & M with a Bachelor of Science. During her time at Texas A & M, she was the Student Senator for the College of Education. She completed her post-graduate work at North Texas University with a Masters in Education. She taught and developed curriculum for Irving Independent School District […]

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ROBERT GAUNTT

Robert Gauntt received his BBA from the University of Texas in Austin, where he played Varsity Baseball for the 1983 NCAA Division I National Championship team. He worked for Paine Webber Inc. in New York City and London before entering the University of Texas Graduate School of Business, where he received his MBA in 1990. […]

DON HODGES

Remembering Don Hodges: Constituting America remembers and honors Mr. Don Hodges (1934-2015) Mr. Don Hodges held the first event for Constituting Amerca, shortly after our launching in 2010. He served on our Advisory Board from 2010 until the day he passed away, January 21, 2015. Mr. Hodges gave generously to Constituting America, as he did […]

MEG BAKICH

Meg Bakich graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in Economics and French. She worked for Morgan Stanley at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange trading the S & P 500. After having her first child, she resigned from the company to focus on being a full-time mom. Meg is a member of […]

VICTORIA BAUMAN

Victoria Bauman has a diverse background in both film and politics. While in Hollywood, her resume includes working as a co-producer, consultant, and fundraiser for several independent film projects as well as DVD specials for Disney and FOX. In the political arena, Victoria has worked to raise money for many of California’s local and national […]

GREG CASEY

Gregory S. Casey became President & CEO of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) in 1999. He is a senior partner in the Idaho based consulting company, Veritas Advisors, LLP. His record of public service includes Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to a member in the U.S. House of Representatives, Chief of Staff to […]

HOLLY PELLHAM DAVIS

Holly Pellham Davis began her career as a model and then an actress where she won roles in many national and international television commercials, television shows and appeared on the silver screen. Now, a devoted mother of two, Holly has combined her talents, dedication, and passion to raising her family in a clean, fresh, mostly […]

LINDI HARVEY

Lindi Harvey has more than 25 years as a corporate and government executive and has a wealth of fundraising, program management and business expertise. She has held several senior-level positions in the Federal government including serving as Deputy Director of the National Park Service for the U.S. Department of the Interior and as Deputy Director […]

JENNIFER LOGUE

As president of McCauley Logue Communications, Jennifer Logue employs her 20-plus years of broad-based communications experience to help clients expand their influence, amplify their impact and achieve their marketing goals. Her extensive communications experience includes writing for a daily newspaper, editing a quarterly journal and managing communications activities for a number of respected organizations. Companies […]

LARAWN SCAIFE RHEA

LaRawn Scaife Rhea grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and was reared around the music industry where her father promoted the careers of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, and numerous other greats. She is a graduate of Belmont College with a degree in Marketing and a concentration in Psychology. As a graduate […]

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JOCELYN WHITE

March 9, 1953 – April 18, 2021 Janine Turner and Constituting America’s dear friend, Jocelyn White, passed away on April 18, 2021. Jocelyn was an award-winning TV and radio journalist whose programs aired locally in Dallas-Fort Worth, and have been syndicated regionally and aired nationally on HDNet. Her passions were animal rescue, advocating understanding of […]

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PATT PARKER

Patt Parker is involved in grassroots organizations and serves as the 2nd Vice President of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW). Patt has worked as campaign manager for candidates at the local, state and national levels. She became active in grassroots after her retirement as a senior civilian from the Department of Defense. Her […]

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ROCHELLE PORTO

Rochelle A. Porto is a Philadelphia public elementary school teacher and the proud single mother of a 24-year-old daughter. A native of Wildwood Crest, NJ, Rochelle completed her education degree at Glassboro State/Rowan University. Upon graduation, she was employed by the American Red Cross in Philadelphia where she began a workplace health and safety education […]

BRYANT PEARSON

Bryant Pearson was born and raised in Russellville, Arkansas. He was educated at Arkansas State University where he graduated in 1986 with a BS degree in Political Science. In August of 1986 became a missionary to Uganda where he spent 2 years working with college and youth students He also spent time in Ethiopia during […]

TOM MCLAUGHLIN

Hi, my name is Tom McLaughlin and I teach 7th grade Texas History and 8th grade US History at “THE” Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy in Dallas Independent School District. I have 8 years’ experience as a Social Studies Teacher. My previous careers include National Account Manager for Novacopy Inc, Retail Manager for the Texas […]

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CAROL ALEXANDER

Carol Alexander is an Educational Consultant who served as a project director and co-creator of a web site for youth for the San Jose, CA Police Department and program coordinator/liaison for the law related education program between the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and the San Jose Unified School District. She is the author […]

NANCY ARNOLD

Nancy Arnold has been an elementary teacher for more than 30 years, and continues to teach 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Honors Creative Writing at Benchmark School in Phoenix AZ. She is also the author of Patriotic Pups, a children’s book about George Washington and some of his fellow Patriots. As part of her mission […]

MELISSA BELL

Melissa Bell began her teaching career in 1991, and has taught on the grammar, middle, high school, and college levels. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Mississippi College. She became a member of the ECCS faculty in 2004. She and her husband, […]

CAROLE CHALLONER

Carole Challoner was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a child she traveled the world with her family while her father served proudly in the United States Air Force. The military lifestyle instilled an appreciation and love of country. Her father’s 21 years of service in the military came to an end and they made Arizona […]

BOBBIE DARROCH

Barbara (Bobbie) Darroch is a Charter Holder and co-Principal of Benchmark Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona. It was exciting when one of our sixth grade students won “Best Poem grades 3-6” last year. As an American she had the privilege of growing up as a child of the world. Her dad was an engineer with […]

JAMES INGRAM

James Ingram received his Bachelors of Science from Texas Wesleyan University and a Masters of Education from Texas Christian University. He celebrated 34 years of teaching the fifth grade at Eagle Mountain Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas. During his time there, he was the first recipient of the Elementary District Teacher of the Year award […]

ALYSSA LOMBARDI

Alyssa Lombardi spent her childhood in Minnesota, moving out east to attend Christendom College in Front Royal, VA. Upon graduating with a B.A. in History, she began teaching at St. Louis School in Alexandria, VA, and remained there for six years. In 2009, she began a new career as a civilian in the United States […]

TIM SEYMORE

Tim Seymore is the Superintendent of Jayton-Girard Independent School District in Jayton, Texas. In addition, he is the founder of www.wybo.co, a website dedicated to the lost art of “Working Your Butt Off!” He has a wonderful wife, Mandy, and two great kids, Shelby, 17 and Joshua, 14. Running a government entity, while at the […]

BILL SHELNUTT

Bill Shelnutt is the Head of Preparatory School at Mt. Pisgah Christian School in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, Georgia. He is a life-long learner and lover of history. Bill is a graduate of Buffalo State University, and has earned both a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and an MBA from Oglethorpe University and […]

JOHN WHITEHURST

John Whitehurst was born in Poughkeepise, New York, but raised in Marietta, Georgia where he graduated from Walton High School. He earned in BA in history and English from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia and is currently working on his MA in history from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has taught history, […]

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HORACE COOPER

Horace Cooper is a writer and legal commentator. He has appeared on CNN, MSNBC and Fox as well as in a variety of print publications. He is also a Research Fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research, a Senior Fellow with the Heartland Institute and the Director of Law and Regulation at the […]

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JEFFREY REED

Jeffrey Reed, founder, music director and conductor of Orchestra Kentucky, also served as music director of the Murfreesboro (TN) Symphony from 2007-2010. He made his European conducting debut in 2003 with the St. Petersburg (Russia) State Symphony and the St. Petersburg Orchestra of Popular Classical Music. In 2006 and 2010, he guest conducted the Charleston […]

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PETER ROFF

Mr. Roff has more than two decade’s experience navigating Washington’s highways and byways, both in and out of government and is currently a contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report, where he writes for the magazine’s “Thomas Jefferson Street” blog and a senior fellow at the non-partisan Institute for Liberty. At one time the […]

STEVEN ADEN

Steven H. Aden serves as senior legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund in its Washington, D.C., office, where he heads litigation efforts to defend the sanctity of human life. Joining ADF in 2008, Aden is admitted to the bars of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Hawaii (inactive). He is also a member of […]

WILLIAM B. ALLEN

William B. Allen, Emeritus Professor of Political Philosophy in the Department of Political Science and Emeritus Dean, James Madison College, at Michigan State University. 2008-09: Visiting Senior Scholar in the Matthew J. Ryan Center for the Study of Free Institutions and the Public Good at Villanova University. He also served previously on the National Council […]

JOHN BAKER

Dr. John Baker is Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Catholic University of America Law School. He is Professor Emeritus of Law, and previously the Dale E. Bennett Professor of Law, at Louisiana State University Law School. He has also taught for Georgetown University Law School, Tulane Law School, George Mason Law School, Pepperdine Law […]

DAREN BAKST

Daren Bakst, Esq., is Director of Legal and Regulatory Studies for the John Locke Foundation. In this position, he analyzes and writes about a wide range of issues, including constitutional law, property rights, and regulatory reform. His op-eds and quotes have appeared in outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, USA Today, National […]

JAMES BEST

James Best is the author of The Shopkeeper,Leadville, Tempest at Dawn, The Shut Mouth Society, and The Digital Organization. James has ghost-written two books, two regular magazine columns, and numerous journal articles. As a conference speaker, he has made presentations throughout North America and Europe. James has been the COO of Vista Software, The Scottsdale […]

DAVID J. BOBB

David J. Bobb is founding director of the Hillsdale College Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, in Washington, D.C. He also serves as a lecturer in political science at Hillsdale, where he teaches courses in American politics to students participating in the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program. From 2001-2010 Bobb also served as […]

JANICE BRENMAN

Ms. Janice R. Brenman is a former prosecutor who was in private practice in Los Angeles from 2001 to 2012 representing nearly 8,000 individuals in over 42 states. She has commented in major legal publications on the subject of legal reform and celebrity influence on the legal system. She has also appeared in medical malpractice, […]

WILLIAM DUNCAN

William Duncan is the director of the Marriage Law Foundation, a legal organization whose mission is providing legal resources in defense of marriage as the union of a husband and wife. He previously served as acting director of the Marriage Law Project at the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law and a visiting […]

ALLISON HAYWARD

Allison Hayward writes widely on election law topics and has been published in a variety of law journals and magazines, including the Harvard Journal of Legislation, Case Western Reserve Law Review, National Review, the Weekly Standard, Reason, the Journal of Law and Politics, Political Science Quarterly, The Green Bag, and the Election Law Journal. She […]

TROY KICKLER

Troy Kickler is Founding Director of the North Carolina History Project and Editor of northcarolinahistory.org. He holds an M.S. in Social Studies Education from North Carolina A&T State University and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Tennessee. Kickler is currently editor of Nathaniel Macon: Collected Letters and Speeches. He is also writing Black […]

JOERG KNIPPRATH

Professor Joerg Knipprath teaches constitutional law, legal history, jurisprudence, and various business law courses at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. Professor Knipprath’s family immigrated to the U.S. from Germany when he was 10. After high school, he attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, graduating magna cum laude with a major in government. After attending […]

MARC S. LAMPKIN

Marc S. Lampkin has served in leadership positions on the Hill and in state government, in presidential campaigns, and in the private sector. Currently he works for Quinn, Gillespie and Associates. He has been quoted and appeared in numerous media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, National Journal, The Hill, Roll […]

ANDREW LANGER

Andrew Langer is the President of the Institute for Liberty, an advocacy organization dedicated to fighting the petty tyrannies of government and protecting America’s right to be free. Mr. Langer came to IFL from the National Federation of Independent Business, where he headed that organization’s regulatory practice for six years. He has testified before Congress […]

WILL MORRISEY

Will Morrisey holds the William and Patricia LaMothe Chair in the United States Constitution at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, where he has taught since 2000. Born and raised in Rumson, New Jersey, he received his A. B. from Kenyon College, graduating summa cum laude in 1973 with a double major in political science and English. […]

JOE POSTELL

Joseph Postell is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. He is the co-editor, with Bradley C.S. Watson, of Rediscovering Political Economy. His current research focuses primarily on the constitutional issues and the growth of the administrative state. His articles have appeared in a variety of academic and popular outlets, including […]

CHARLES ROWLEY

Charles K. Rowley is a Duncan Black Professor of Economics at George Mason University and General Director of The Locke Institute. He has written nine books with his most recent book Never Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste just published by The Locke Institute in December 2010. He has also edited 32 books and […]

KYLE SCOTT

Kyle Scott, PhD, teaches American politics at the University of Houston. He has authored three books. In addition to his books he has authored numerous scholarly articles, served as a guest blogger and spoken to audiences of all levels. Kyle taught and coached at high schools in Texas before receiving his Ph.D. in 2005 from […]

JULIA SHAW

Julia D. Shaw studies and writes about American political thought as research associate and program manager for The Heritage Foundation’s B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies. Her subjects include the American founding, progressivism and modern conservatism. Shaw also oversees the content of Heritage’s First Principles educational programming, from the Congressional Fellows and James Madison […]

COLLEEN SHEEHAN

Colleen A. Sheehan is Professor of Political Science at Villanova University, Director of the Ryan Center for Free Institutions and the Public Good, and has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She is author of James Madison and the Spirit of Republican Self-Government(Cambridge University Press, 2009), co-editor of Friends of the Constitution: Writings of […]

MATTHEW SPALDING

Matthew Spalding serves as Director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies at The Heritage Foundation. He also serves as project leader of Heritage’s First Principles initiative. The overall objective of First Principles is to reorient the nation’s politics and public policy to the enduring principles of the American founding. In his latest […]

LAWRENCE J. SPIWAK

Lawrence J. Spiwak is President of the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy Studies, a non-profit organization that studies broad public-policy issues related to governance, social and economic conditions, with a particular emphasis on the law and economics of telecommunications and high-tech industries. Mr. Spiwak is a prolific author whose scholarly work […]

PAUL TELLER

Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Paul Teller graduated in 1993 from Duke University in Durham, NC, where he got his B.A. in political science. Paul has worked for The Washington Times–National Weekly Edition, the National Center for Public Policy Research, the College Republican National Committee, the Bush/Quayle ‘92 campaign, and […]

EDUCATIONAL LINKS

For more information on the United States Constitution, our Founding Fathers and National Constitution and Citizenship Day on September 17, check out these websites! American Historical Theatre: http://ahtheatre.org/america/ The Civics Renewal Network: http://www.civicsrenewalnetwork.org/ National Archives Charters of Freedom-Explore our Founding Documents! http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/ Federalist Papers: Primary Documents in American History – The Library of Congress Researchers – Virtual […]