Isabel Crews

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Hello, my name is Isabel Crews. I am thirteen years old, but I am about to turn fourteen. Last year, I was the winner of Constituting America’s essay contest in the Middle School age division. I am currently pursuing my passions of acting, singing, reading, writing, and running. Recently, my eight year old brother and I starred in a play called ​The Boxcar Children at a small theater local to where we live. I love to sing, and there is never a time when I am not working on yet another book. I have continued to enter essay contests, such as the most recent VFW Patriot’s Pen essay contest, which I won locally, won in the District division, and got fourth place in the State division. I have continued to run both cross-country and track, and I am looking forward to track season with school and summer track season with Blue Thunder Track Club. Thank you for the opportunities that are ahead of me for winning the Constituting America PSA contest. I am so excited for the trip and all that it will hold.

Watch Isabel’s Winning PSA below or click here

Our Interview With Isabel

1. Was this the first time you entered the contest?
No, I have entered the contest before. I entered last year in the Middle School Essay division of the contest, and I won.

2. How did you hear about the contest?
Last year was the first time I have entered the contest. I had entered several other competitions with my essays and had done very well. I was searching for other essay contests online, and I came across Constituting America’s contest. I entered my essay last year, and I won. I remembered Constituting America’s contest and entered again this year with my winning work, my 30-second public service announcement.

3. What inspired your work?
Learning more about the Constitution while putting together the challenge of the contest is what inspired me.

4. What did you learn while creating your entry?
I learned how to make a video out of still shots.

5. How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
I have shared my video with some of my family and friends.

6. How do your friends respond to history or talking about the Constitution?
When we talk about history in class, my friends like to listen to the Constitution in song form and try to memorize it.

7. What do you love about U.S History and the forming of our government?
Although the making of our country was tough, our founding fathers and other early Americans persevered.

8. Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
The U.S. historical site I would like to visit is the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA.

9. Which American historical figure is most influential/inspirational to you?
Alexander Hamilton set up the National Federal Bank. He was the secretary of the treasury and strived daily to make our country better. He was very ambitious.

10. Who is your greatest role model?
God is my greatest role model along with my hard working mom and dad.

11. What in your life are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about keeping God in my life no matter what.

12. How do you spend your free time?
In my free time, I like to read and go outside to ride my bike and exercise. I also like to write, craft, and travel.

13. What are your plans for the future?
My future plans after high school is to attend an engineer school in Rolla, MO to become a computer engineer along with another engineer degree.

14. If you could do one super impactful thing to help people, what would it be?
If I could sew clothes for people who do not have many, I would do that as a ministry in someone else’s life.

15. How is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution is relevant today because it protects our freedom and without our freedom we would be oppressed. We would be living our lives based off of someone else’s choices.

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Isabel Crews

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My name is Isabel Crews.  I have written many essays for numerous contests including Constituting America.  One essay is called “What Makes America Great” for Veterans of Foreign Wars, and I received second place.  Two other essays were for Daughters of the American Revolution and a leadership essay for MSHSAA.  Not only have I entered essay contests, but I have also entered other contests such as math for Scholastics, first place for a video contest for Council for Drug Free Youth, and second place two different times for an art contest.  Currently I am working on a science contest for Engineer Girl as well as practicing for Youth Bible Drill that I am enrolled in.  Some of my other accomplishments are having a 4.0 in Middle School for my 6th grade year and so far for my 7th grade year.  I also participate in cross country and track for Middle School as well as am part of track club in the summertime.  As part of my family’s track club, my sisters and I have been named All American National Junior Olympic Medalists for two years in a row now.

Thank you for the opportunities that are ahead of me for winning the Constituting America
essay contest.  I am so excited for the trip and all that it will hold.

Read Isabel’s Winning Essay Here.

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Liorah Haynes

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My name is Liorah Haynes and I am a seventh grader honors student attending Heritage Middle School in New Windsor, New York. I play the trumpet, sing in a school choir, usher at my church and do sports such as volleyball and soccer. When I’m older I aspire to be a veterinarian. A few years ago my parents took me to the Washington D.C memorial in a way to encourage me to know and honor the Constitution and the sacrifices made by others. I am thankful to all my family and friends who support me and to the people who made me who I am today.

View Liorah’s Winning Photograph Here.

 

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Kennedy Owens

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Hi, my name is Kennedy Owens. I am in 7th grade and I attend Sergeant Smith Middle School in Tampa, Florida. In my spare time, I really like editing videos, drawing original characters, reading webtoons, and writing stories. What convinced me to make the “Constitution Coloring” business plan was so I could provide a resource for kids to learn about the Constitution in a fun way. Also, I wanted to make a product that kids could use even if they don’t have access to technology. I am again very thankful for this opportunity.

Click Here To View Kennedy’s Winning Project – The Constitution Coloring Book!

Click Here to Download Kennedy’s Winning Marketing Plan For The Coloring Book 

Watch Kennedy discuss her winning work, as well as her experiences with Constituting America, here!

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Grace Cooksey

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Grace Cooksey is 12 years old. She likes hiking, reading, hanging out with family and friends, playing violin and piano, doing church activities, acting and singing. She has seven siblings and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Read Essay Here.

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Wyatt Hensley

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Hello! My name is Wyatt Hensley. I am in 8th grade and live in Joplin, MO My favorite subject is American History. Acting is my passion. I want to be a director of films when I finish college. I am also involved with my church and my Boy Scout troop. One of my closest friends is my brother Jonah (also in the video) who shares my interests except for acting. We are really excited to be a part of Constituting America!

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Kennedy Owens

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Hi, my name is Kennedy Owens. I am 11 years old, in 6th grade, and attend Sergeant Paul R. Smith Middle School in Tampa, Florida. My hobbies include: swimming, creating art, playing computer games, and making apps and YouTube videos. My main inspiration behind the Constitution Classroom app was to provide a useful resource for people interested in learning about the U.S. Government and the Constitution. I am thankful and appreciative for being named the winner of the Best Middle School STEM project for 2017.

View Winning Work Here.

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Mallory Doyle

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Mallory Doyle, 13, is an 8th Grader at Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in Shelton, CT. She is a member of the Junior National Honor Society and has participated in Student Council, Drama Club, Peer Tutoring and Math League. With a strong foundation in academics and faith, she volunteers and actively participates in community service activities. She serves as a Student Ambassador for Kids Helping Kids and a 4H Teen Leader. She is currently a member of the U14 Girls Premier Soccer Team and has competed in gymnastics and dance, sang with the United Girls Choir with a performance at Woolsey Hall, Yale University and acted in local theater.

Read Essay Below:

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Tova Love Kaplan

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Tova Love Kaplan, 13, is an eighth grader in the Chicago Public School system and attends one of the most established and competitive middle schools in the nation. Tova is also a professional actor with a musical theater background and featured roles at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Mercury Theater Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Choir, and Paramount Theatre. Her commercial work has included TV spots and video projects for the Wisconsin Dells Tourism board, Second City Networks and Onion Productions. Tova is a member of Student Council, Girl Scouts, and Best Buddies, a student-run friendship club between typical peers and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. On weekends, she is a Hebrew school teacher aide and also raises money for Bake Sale for Justice, a monthly event held by families that fights for justice for all people.

View Winning Work Here.

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Mandi Hopper

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Mandi Hopper, Best Middle School Photography Winner

Mandi Hopper is 13 years old and lives in Dublin, VA. She is homeschooled and loves acting, singing, and making cupcakes.

View winning photograph here as PDF, or below:

 

 

 

The Constitution As America’s Greatest Strength

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Joshua and Taylor Landgraf

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My name is Joshua Landgraf and I am 11 years old and 6th grade student at Eubanks Intermediate School in Southlake, Texas.
My interests include writing graphic novels, sketching and drawing 3-dimensional art, playing tennis, playing with my three siblings and I have a voracious appetite for reading, especially mythology of all types. I enjoy all of my classes, especially, math and history. Also, I enjoy watching shows like Tiny House and I would like to be an architect, engineer or a lawyer.

 

 

My name is Taylor Landgraf and I am 11 years old and a 6th grade student at Eubanks Intermediate School in Southlake, Texas. My interests include reading, cooking, and playing competitive tennis tournaments and with my three siblings. I really enjoy serving as an Ambassador for my school where I greet students new to our school, show them around and introduce them to new friends. I enjoy all of my classes and am passionate about helping others including people who have special needs or who are sick. I will pursue a career that involves helping others including being a teacher or a nurse.

 

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Gabriella Tommasi

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My name is Gabriella Tommasi, and I am 11 years old. I have had a passion for music since I can remember!  I love playing electric guitar most of all, but also play piano, drums and just this year, I have begun to play the trombone in the Eubanks Intermediate School band. I do more than just jam, I also love to swim, paint, and spend time with my friends.  I have a younger brother and sister, Maximillian and Angelica, and we are very close. Last, but certainly not least, I am blessed with the most amazing parents who continue to support and encourage me throughout my journey. God Bless.

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EMILY KEENER

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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 include American and World History. She lives in Wakeman, Ohio with her a younger sister and brother and her parents.

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BAILEY GABEL

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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 God.”

Read Essay Here.

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JEFFREY PISTOR

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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. Jeffrey is an official greeter at his church and he also plays the piano, is studying Jiu-Jitsu, and devotes time to Bible Study Fellowship with his father.

Read Poem Here.

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HOLLIE ELLIOT

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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. She loves her church, and is involved in Bible quizzing. Hollie is a patriot, learning a little more every day about the greatness of the USA.

View Emblem Here.

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JESSIE LIZ CLEMENT

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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,” was released in 2011 and new songs can be heard at www.jessieliz.com. Jessie’s Creator has definitely blessed her with special musical talents and she seeks to honor Him and bless others with the gifts she’s been given. Besides music, Jessie enjoys hunting, arts and crafts, and playing on a volleyball team.

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EVELYN HANKS

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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 she is a volunteer in the children’s ministry. Evelyn’s favorite subjects at her homeschool co-op are Science and Shakespearean Drama.

Read Essay Here.

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BETHANY COOKSEY

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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, reading, singing in the church choir, drawing, playing with her baby brother, cooking, sewing, writing, piano, and cello.

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JESSIE LIZ CLEMENT

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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 at the SBA List “Campaign for Life Gala” in Washington D.C earlier this year. Self-taught on the guitar, piano, ukulele, and mandolin, Jessie writes songs about life and love from the heart of innocence. Her newest album, “Runaway Adventure” with 13 new songs written by Jessie and produced by Nashville session singer Russell Terrell, was released in August, 2013, and can be found on iTunes or at www.jessieliz.com. Besides music, Jessie enjoys hunting, arts and crafts, and playing on a local varsity volleyball team.

Interview: https://vimeo.com/83873626

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TIFFANY CURTIS

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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 older sister and two supportive and loving parents. Her favorite activities include reading, listening to music, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends. Tiffany hopes to honor and bring praise to God through whatever she is putting her heart into.

Interview: https://vimeo.com/86156650

Read Essay Here.

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ROSALVA CRUZ HERNANDEZ

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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 been actively involved with New Horizons of Southwest Florida, an afterschool tutoring and mentoring program, since first grade where she also sings in the Super Kids Choir. Through New Horizons, Rosie has participated in several volunteer activities in her community. Rosie is active in her church and is part of the worship team. Rosie has been on the A/B Honor Roll every semester in middle school. After graduating from high school, Rosie would like to attend Florida Gulf Coast University and pursue a career as a social worker. Rosie wants to be able to help children who have suffered abuse.

Read Essay Here.

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KIRK TAYLOR, CALEB THOMAS, JONATHAN FRAZIER

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Jonathan Frazier loves to make music and is a performing rapper trying to become famous. He loves history so it is very easy for him to make a song about it. He is very happy that he won and looks forward to winning again. Caleb Theophilus Thomas was born on October 21st, 2000 to Tennis Thomas I and Earlisa Spencer-Thomas. He is a native of Dallas, Texas and currently attends Booker T Washington High School of the Performing and Visual Arts. The youngest of five brothers, he was always influenced by their generation of hip-hop culture which sparked his interest in the hip-hop genre. By the time he was in school he was getting in and out of trouble and felt like no one understood him except the bad crowd he hung out with and the rap music that they would listen too. When his parents got divorced he would begin to express his feelings on paper in short stories, then poems, then eventually rhymes. During his first year of middle school he participated in the Hip-Hop club which helped him hone his craft and value the culture as well as the music. In his 7th grade year he wrote a poem titled “Threat Since Birth” which was about the struggles of being a black man. By his 8th grade year he found his own style and mastered his flow and is now the same Caleb (stage name Roccy Montana) that you see today. Kirk D. Taylor,14, started his life of music in kindergarten, performing at P.T.M. meetings for school. Soon after he decided that his life would be dedicated to changing the world through music. The rest of elementary school he used his voice to make himself known, but not just musically. He was a finalist in the Gardeer Oratorical contest in 2010 speaking on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also learned to play piano in 5th grade. He achieved 1st chair in the Region 20 All Region Choir both 7th and 8th grade year, He has sung for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and now he plays bass guitar. He is now learning how to play acoustics guitar and once he does he’ll just have to find himself another goal.

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LEAH RENNER

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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, she anticipates mission work and possibly a career in writing or voiceover.

View Essay Here.

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ANTHONY BESHIRS

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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 can come if you put in enough time and effort.” Anthony is the recipient of an award for keeping his GPA at 3.5 or higher and is a full IB student. Anthony enjoys playing the tuba in his high school band, exercising and playing video games in his spare time and aspires to become a chemical engineer and help people through his findings.

Read Essay Here.

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SONYA HELMS

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My name is Sonya Helms. I am 14 years old. I am from Cortland NY and I live on a small farm inside Cortland. I volunteer as a Jr. Member at our local fair board committee, and during the summer show my cattle and livestock at local county fairs. I play alto saxophone and I am a type one diabetic.

View Winning Work Here.

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HALLEY MOAK

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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 is a past Best Elementary Poem winner.

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SARAH LEARNED

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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 and stories together! I would like to be a voice over actress, writer, or a singer songwriter someday!

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QUENTIN FULTON

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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 the future. Quinten is a talented artist, who enjoys developing his craft.

View Winning Work Here.

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VICTORIA GRUEN

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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 Little Women. When Victoria grows up, she wants a career in politics. As a firm believer in freedom and the Constitution, she wants to defend the principles that our Founding Fathers held – among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

View Winning Work Here.

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ANDREW COOKSEY

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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

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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 to visit 15 countries, all 50 states, all 100 counties in her state by 2020. She is about half way there. Previously, she lobbied for a homeschool bill that was passed and she was able to attend the bill signing with the Governor. She is part of NC Junior Historian through her History Hounds Club and has won numerous statewide contests. She is very excited about winning this contest and teaching others about the Constitution.

Read Essay Here.

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