The premise of my life has been that all things, both good and bad, work in my favor to fulfill my purpose in life. At only 21 years of age, I am still piecing together exactly what I am meant to do for humanity, however, I am certain that all I have endured is the reason I am here today reaping the benefits of this wonderful scholarship award! I am just a girl from 79th Street in Chicago who lost her father at age five to gun violence and was raised by a single mother just trying to make ends meet. I am the girl who watched her mother have a stroke before her eyes and became a primary caregiver at the age of 15 years old.

A few years ago, if you looked at me you would wonder how was this girl who spent every waking moment at home taking care of her disabled mother and every moment at school catching up on sleep going to get into the top Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the country and thrive on its grounds. Truth be told, I couldn’t answer for you either. All I know is I have been intuned with my inner voice since I was a child. My inner voice guided me through all adversities I had to face. My inner voice could see all I was surrounded by and keep me reminded that I wanted more out of life for myself and loved ones. That inner voice spoke to me daily through caregiving, homelessness, and dark nights of depression. It told me there was more out there for me but I needed to fight for it.

I fought what seemed to be aimlessly to maintain a high GPA, pay my entire tuition throughout college alone, and still have a smile on my face and desire in my heart to see the finish line. Well as a senior at Howard University, I am almost at the finish line where I will be receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in Media, Journalism, and Film Studies May of 2018. At the finish line I see tears of joy and an opportunity to return to my hometown and pour the same love and growth into it as it has poured into me. I came into senior year not knowing how I would finish financially. I am so thankful to say that We The Future Contest has helped solve that problem for me! To anyone out there with a similar story or facing adversity, I just want you to know that there is good in everything that happens to you. The more you trust in this mindset and your abilities to overcome all adversities, the more you will see life work in your favor.

Read Winning Work Here.

Dakare C. Chatman was born on August 17th and is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. Dakare now resides in Lenoir, North Carolina, and is in the ninth grade. Dakare is a strong supporter of the fine arts and has appeared in many play productions. Some of his many roles include Ollie in “Yes Virginia,” Tiny Tim in “A Christmas Carol,” Prince Chufa Chulalongkorn in “ The King and I,” Ralphie in “A Christmas Story,” and Seaweed J. Stubbs in “Hairspray.” Dakare also plays the trumpet and alto saxophone and loves singing. Dakare has been public speaking/ acting since he was able to talk. Dakare’s life quote is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Dakare wants to attend UNC Chapel Hill and major in Theater Performing Arts. Dakare would like to thank the Constituting America staff for this opportunity and for their hard work and dedication in educating our country to learn the constitution.

Kevin Vicente is 17 years old, and attending the Boston Arts Academy in Boston, Massachusetts. Along side his artistic pursuits, he also has been programming since he was 12 years old, and is currently taking the advanced C++ programming course at Bunker Hill Community College. Outside of class, he likes to play video games and solving logic and mathematical puzzles.

Download Winning Work Here.

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.

Kevin McCraney, 28, from Seattle, Washington. Kevin has experimented with narrative and media since he was young. Ever the consummate creator, he gained experience working with video and music by producing material for school projects and his personal travel blog. After traveling the world and documenting his adventures, he is currently attending the MS in Information Program at the University of Washington. In the future, he hopes to work in government, advocating for laws that embolden the ethical production and use of technology.

Wesley Castillo is a 17 year old student living in Inwood, WV. He is currently on his senior year at Musselman High School. In addition to his regular classes, he attends a program at James Rumsey Technical Institute where he studies Web Development & Gaming. Outside of his classes he likes to record videos, play on his Xbox, & serve at his church. Wesley also enjoys watching political debates and commentaries and considers Civics to be his favorite non-technical class.

Based in Gallatin, TN, 17 year old Cole Ritter is a talented musician who started violin lessons at age 3. A skilled musician, he plays a wide variety of stringed instruments, writes music, and sings. He also is versatile in musical genres with influences from classical, jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, and Indie. Cole plans to pursue a degree in commercial music in college, hopefully followed by a successful career as a writer, performer and studio musician.

Katherine Plotz, 17, is from Chehalis, Washington, but currently resides in Tokyo and is in the 12th grade at The American School in Japan. Her passion for piano started at the age of three, and has influenced her fascination with mathematics, which she hopes to continue studying in college. She is in her school’s jazz band, and is president of the Space Club. She contributes to her community through various types of service, and leads her church’s praise team.

https://youtu.be/gBYwICr ZYis

Alissa Dorman is currently a senior at Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho. Alissa has always loved to write, from her first poetry contest in third grade to her We The Future entry. However, writing isn’t her only hobby. Alissa loves science, and she also loves to play the piano and the violin. Alissa is planning on attending Brigham Young University and majoring in piano performance.

Read Essay Here.


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, 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.

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

 

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.

 

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.

Jackson Lipschutz, 10, is a fourth grader at Corbett Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida. He lives with his two sisters, his parents and his French Bulldog, Captain. His favorite subjects are writing, history and science. He enjoys playing the drums, creating art and also reading. He is a Boy Scout and loves the outdoors. Jackson is truly honored to have won this award.

View Artwork Here.

McConnell Gorman, 11 years old , lives in Colleyville, Texas. He attends Grapevine Faith Christian School and is in the fifth grade. He loves sports and plays tackle football. When he is not playing sports, he loves drawing. He enjoys drawing both realistic and cartoon compositions. He considers himself blessed to have won this art honor!

View Artwork Here.

Cason McIntyre, age 7, is a first grader at Estes Park Elementary School in Estes Park, Colorado. While he very much enjoys reading and art at school, he would say his favorite subject is recess! He spends many hours pouring over books or with a colored pencil in hand, working on his next masterpiece. He also loves to play with Legos. Outside of school, Cason enjoys hunting with his dad and enjoying the great outdoors. He also helps with the family garden and cares for his flock of hens. Cason is full of life and shares a smile with everyone he meets. Cason is very excited to receive this award.

Read Poem Here.

Lena McIntyre, age 9, is a fourth grader at Estes Park Elementary School in Estes Park, Colorado. Her favorite subjects in school are science and art and she stays very active with choir and basketball. Outside of school, she expresses her creative side through art and dance. Living in Colorado also allows for many fun outdoor activities including hiking, hunting with her dad and fishing. She stays busy helping care for the family chickens and also loves getting her hands dirty in the garden. Lena is a wonderful young lady who enjoys life to the fullest. She is very excited to receive this award.

Read Poem Here.

Emily Kitzmiller, 19, is the 2017 Best College Song winner and the 2016 Best College PSA winner. She grew up in Vernal, Utah, but has most recently spent time with her family in Colorado. Emily has been singing for as long as she can remember and started playing the guitar and writing songs a few years ago to counteract a busy school life. She is a sophomore at Brigham Young University where she is pursuing an undergrad degree in Family Sciences with a minor in music. Emily loves people and music, and she hopes to be able to combine those loves at grad school and become a music therapist.  Click here for the lyrics to Emily’s song: It’s A Shame!

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 to pursue their interests in STEM. She is excited to continue being involved in her community as her college career continues.

 

Grace’s Winning STEM PROJECT

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