1st - 3rd Grade Winner
, 2nd Grade - Carlthrope Schol, Age 8

America We Love You

Living in America makes we feel very happy. In America we have freedom of speech, religion and freedom to vote for who we want to be leaders. In some countries you are not allowed to speak freely about gvernment or its leaders. I think it is important to be able to say what what you think and not be punished for thinking differently than other people. In other countries girls cannot vote or they have to vote for who the government tells them to. I want to vote for a President based on how smart they sound in their speeches, how well they treat others, and how they spend money. Freedom of religion is also important to me because all my friends have different beliefs and cultures. I like to learn about other cultures and religions and think that everyone has something valuable to share. I love America.

4th & 5th Grade Winner
Ava Giglio, 5th Grade Marquez Charter School

America We Love You

There are many reasons I love America. I love that America is a land of the free. We have the right to freedom of speech, freedom of press, and the right to do what we want when we want. In other parts of the world (like the Middle East) girls have to wear what they are told to wear, or they are punished. But in America we are allowed to wear practically anything (as long as it's not flip flops at school).

Another thing I love is that in America we have a democracy. Countries like North Korea and China are communist where the people have barely any power. But in America we vote for who runs our country. As President Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address, America is a "government of the people, by the people, for the people."

That's why I love America. On Independence Day we celebrate our prosperous country. We love you America!