Joanna Xavier & Annabeth Adams

My name is Joanna Xavier. I am a seventh grader at Magsig middle school, in Centerville Ohio. My school activities include speech and debate, band (playing the clarinet), art club, science olympiad, and more. Outside of school some of my hobbies include volleyball, reading, and playing the piano. I also have a Black Belt in Taekwondo.

I love Centerville and volunteer in different places to serve and give back to the community. I am a member of a group at our local library that hosts events and fundraisers, called TAB (Teen Advisory Board). I also volunteer at our local rec center by helping out in youth enrichment programs such as Beginner Rubik’s cube class, Beginner Chess class and Origami. One Sunday a month, I volunteer in my church nursery, and I am involved in my youth group at church and play piano as part of the youth worship team.

One of my favorite verses from the Bible is Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. This verse reminds me always that God is the source of my strength and my abilities.

Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for always encouraging me to do my best and being my greatest support!

Hello, my name is Annabeth Adams and I am a 7th grader in Centerville, Ohio. Some of my favorite things to do is play my cello in the school orchestra, and sing in our schools chorus. I am also in the advanced group for both, “Rockestra” and “Rhapsody”. I enjoy archery, fencing, and love soccer. I am involved with my church’s youth group, like spending time with friends, and play video games with the whole family (amongst other things). In my quiet time I love to curl up and read with my cats.

I really enjoy middle school and my favorite class is social studies. I love to learn about history, map drills, and I have a wonderful teacher that makes history fun and exciting. I can’t wait to learn more about our American history and continue to learn more about our Constitution and the importance of it to our nation.

In college I would love to major in Architecture, and minor in both the arts and design. I can’t wait to see what that will look like in six years!

Listen to their winning song below!

Our Interview With Joanna & Annabeth
Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Joanna: Yes
Annabeth: Yes

How did you hear about the contest?
Joanna: My sister won the Middle School essay contest in 2023. So, I wanted to try to do the contest as well.
Annabeth: My friend Joanna told me about the song and the contest, and asked if we could do it together.

What inspired your work?
Joanna: I like creative writing and poetry. I also like to read about our nation’s history. So, putting the two together, we came up with the lyrics to the song.
Annabeth: The importance of the Constitution, and what it means for us as citizens and those who come to our country. In a way that is fun and educational.

What did you learn about the U.S. Constitution while creating your entry?
Joanna: I was surprised to learn that the US Constitution is actually a small document (only 4,400 words) compared to other books of importance. But the US Constitution is still the most important document in our land.
Annabeth: Without the guidelines of the Constitution we would not have checks and balances needed to have a functioning government.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
Joanna: I think my friends will want to know more about the contest and the U.S. Constitution when they come to know that I won this year, and I will gladly share the information with them
Annabeth: By bringing what I learned while participating in Constituting America to the classroom and to discussions with my peers.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
Joanna: The White House and Capitol Hill
Annabeth: The Library of Congress

What are your career plans?
Joanna: My career goal is to become a doctor when I grow up, especially a Pediatrician.
Annabeth: To be an architect and also do interior design

How do you spend your free time?
Joanna: Hanging out with my family and friends, watching TV, reading books and doing creative arts and crafts
Annabeth: Playing soccer, participating in fencing and archery, playing the cello and singing in the school and church chorus. I also love to read and play video games with my family.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
Joanna: I learned that there are only 27 amendments in the Constitution. The nearly 240 years old document is still the law of the land. So, it is still relevant today.
Annabeth: Because the Constitution protects citizens and keeps the government intact. Those principles are the same throughout our nation’s history. Without it, it would be similar to when Rome fell and Europe distended into chaos.