America ’ s National Parks 100 years and counting …
Essay Contest
Freedom Fest ’ s 2017 Essay Topic is : “ If you could take a trip to any of America ’ s National Monuments , Historic Sites , or National Parks , where would you go and why ?”
Primary Division
Children in Second and Third Grades
This year ’ s Freedom Fest Theme , “ American ’ s National Parks : 100 Years and Counting . . .” offered our community ’ s young authors a chance to research America ’ s treasured National Parks , Historical Sites , and Historical Monuments .
In March , students in Morgan Hill ’ s public and private schools were encouraged to enter our Freedom Fest Essay Contest . Our Topic ? “ If you could take a trip to any of America ’ s National Monuments , Historic Sites , or National Parks , where would you go and why ?”
346 students began choosing , researching , and writing about a myriad of different places . Our entries highlighted the wealth of America ’ s parks , national monuments , and historic sites available to us . Children wrote about traveling to places they had only read about in books or seen on TV . Youngsters wrote and submitted essays about traveling to places like Arlington National Cemetery , Pearl Harbor , Yosemite , Grand Canyon , the 9 / 11 Memorial , Alcatraz , and Muir Woods , to name a few .
In April , our team of dedicated judges had the difficult task of choosing winners in our two divisions : Children in 2nd and 3rd Grades ( Primary ) and Children in Grades 4th and 5th ( Intermediate ).
As the chairperson of this contest , I am so fortunate to be able to read each and every one of our essays . It has been my gift to be able to see the world through the eyes of a child . Students realize the importance of our national treasures and many understand the concept that they are the ones who will be responsible to maintain and protect our environment and our historic sites .
Every public school was represented in our essay entries . Walsh S . T . E . A . M . Academy submitted the largest number of entries with Nordstrom a close second . Of course , we had entries from home-schoolers and from children who attend our community ’ s private schools .
Many of the essays were submitted with pictures of the park or historic site attached . Not only did our youngsters learn about their park , but they also “ saw ” the park while doing their research . We thank our young authors and their teachers for taking the time to share their thoughts with us . These youngsters learned about and visited so many places in America – if only on paper .
Each child who wrote an essay received a ribbon for his / her efforts . Our winners receive cash , T-shirts , and trophies . They are our “ Guests of Honor ” at this year ’ s Patriotic Sing to be held July 3rd at 6 p . m . at the Morgan Hill Amphitheater ( Dunne and Monterey ). Be watching for them on the antique Fire Truck in our Freedom Fest 4th of July Parade .
And , now , please take a minute to read our winning essays .
H KAREN ANN CRANE Children ’ s Essay Contest Chair
First Place
LUCIANO GUERRA , Charter School Morgan Hill , 2nd Grade , Mr . Lynch
I
f I could take a trip to any of America ’ s National Monuments , I would like to visit Ellis Island in New York . This is because I learned about it in second grade , and I want to learn more about this important monument and where my family and I came from . Ellis Island meant hope and freedom to immigrants who came from all over the world . Millions of people came to the island between 1892 and 1954 , and were ready to start a new life in the United States . Some of my family immigrated from Portugal , Italy , and Ireland . I want to travel to Ellis Island to see if any of my ancestors are on the list . In school , we had “ Ellis Island Day ” so we dressed up like people did during that time and went through the immigration stations . We were interviewed and had our suitcases checked . If people were sick when they arrived in New York and the nurses couldn ’ t heal then , some had to return back to their home country . Also , first class passengers were treated better on the ships to New York . They had better seats and ate tasty food like apple cider and cookies . Second and third class passengers were crowded together and had only water and potato soup . Everyone was so happy and excited when they arrived . It didn ’ t matter what class they were in .
In conclusion , if I could take a trip to any of America ’ s National Monuments , I would choose Ellis Island . This is the place where people from other countries became United States citizens .
8 America ’ s NATIONAL PARKS H Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2017