Miya Morton

Miya is a 16-year-old in Roanoke, Virginia. With a family history that dates back to the beginning of America and a mother who came from Mainland China, Miya has a deep appreciation for the importance of our constitution and freedoms. She is honored to be the winner for Best High School Song. Miya has been playing the piano since she was 5 and writing music since she was 8. She has played as one of two main piano accompanists for Church services since 2020 and plays and sings on Wednesday night in Church youth group’s worship band. She won First prize and Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize, Golden Classical Music Award International Competition in 2021 and had the opportunity to play in the Winner’s Concert at Carnegie Hall on October 31, 2021. In June 2022, Miya sang in Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Concert Group in New England Symphonic Ensemble at Carnegie Hall. Along with her love for music, Miya also enjoys dancing, drawing, sewing, writing, acting, and track. Last year, she dedicated significant time to make a beautiful Quinceañera dress as a gift to a classmate whose family came from Venezuela. Miya is currently creating her own comic book Between it All on Webtoon, which is an analogy for the story of the Bible. Miya hopes to use the gifts that God has given her to further His Kingdom. With Miya’s full schedule she also excels in academics. She wants to honor God by trying her best at everything she does.

Listen to Miya’s winning song below:

Our Interview With Miya

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes

How did you hear about the contest?
I heard about it from my mom. She came across it when looking for scholarship opportunities for my older brother.

What inspired your work?
I was inspired by the style of music in Hamilton, the musical. I thought the music style would fit a song about the constitution just as well as they fit songs about Alexander Hamilton. I still added my own touch to it though, of course!

What did you learn while creating your entry?
It was fascinating to see how the amendments, especially the first few, hold up each other. The first amendment outlines our basic rights, and the others defend it.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
I think, just speaking about it when the topic comes up is a good way to voice how I feel about the Constitution. I can also share my song with my friends.

How do your friends respond to history or talking about the Constitution?
It is not a common topic to come up. I think they would probably be similar to me where they know the gist of some of the amendments, but maybe not the details.

What do you love about U.S History and the forming of our government?
I love how the U.S was based on Christianity. The basis allowed for equality and freedom to be possible.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
I would like to visit the Lincoln Memorial. Mostly because I want to see the size of the statue, but also because I believe in equality that was fought for when he signed the emancipation proclamation.

Which American historical figure is most influential/inspirational to you?
I am most inspired by George Washington. While he was human and had his flaws, just like anyone else, his leadership skills are something to be admired. He fought in a war and led America to victory to then become the first president of a young and developing nation during an uncertain period where many things still needed to be figured out. Later, when offered the power of a king, he stepped down from power, setting the standard for presidents to come.

Who is your greatest role model?
I would have to say, and I know this is a basic Sunday school answer, but it’s the truth, Jesus. He is a person fully man and fully god whose love is so great he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I don’t know what more to model myself after since he was the perfect example.

What in your life are you most passionate about?
I have a love for anything creative. Whether it be drawing, playing piano, writing music, singing, dancing, choreographing, making videos, acting, or writing, I like to tell a story through my work. I hope that, one day, I can use my gifts to convey the greatest story ever. I hope to work through my comic, “Between it All”, to do a fantasy parody of the Bible.

How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time… well, I spend it reading, drawing, playing piano, hanging out with my friends, choreographing, writing, church and the like.

What are your plans for the future?
As of right now, my plan A is to get into the medical field. My true passion is for the arts, but medicine is more stable, and it’s a lot easier to go from a Doctorate to a recording studio than from the writing bench to medical school.

If you could do one super impactful thing to help people, what would it be?
I would spread God’s word. Now, don’t get me wrong. I would love to also help out the needy in a tangible way such as those in need of food or money, but I believe that life here is short and temporary, but where your soul goes is eternal. It won’t be a final fix if I only help with material needs. I would like to play my part in God’s plan to tell as many people as possible about God and let him do his work in their hearts to save their souls.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution is the backbone of our country. It is like the crust to our pie.

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