2025 THIRD PLACE WINNER
Catherine M.
Oakwood School
“Fourth Freedom Fun”
The Fourth of July is my favorite time of the year. All of my friends from near and far come over to celebrate our freedom together. I love this holiday because it lets me enjoy time with my friends and family while we celebrate America’s independence and the people who fight for it. One of the most special Fourth of Julys I remember was two years ago.
I woke up in the morning feeling super excited because it was the Fourth of July, and my friends were coming over to watch the fireworks. The whole morning, I looked out the front door, anticipating their arrival and all of the fun we would have together. While waiting, I helped my mom decorate the house with red, white, and blue streamers on our stairs and in our living room. As we wove the streamers up the stairs, they looked as if they were billowing like a flag blowing in the breeze. They made the whole room shine with red, white, and blue stripes and twinkling white stars. After decorating, I cleaned my room and played for a while since my friends had not arrived yet.
After what felt like forever, my friends finally started arriving at 10 a.m. Once all of my friends were there, the moms went to the kitchen to prepare lunch while my friends and I went outside to play. We had red, white, and blue water balloons waiting for us to fill on a table in the hot sun. We were all excited to play games with the water balloons as soon as we finished filling them. During the water balloon fight, one of my friends, Tina, threw a water balloon at me. Luckily, I dodged it just in time! However, Celine threw a water balloon aimed at my back when I was not looking. The water balloon popped on my back and I got soaked! Then, one of my friends got a little bit extreme – He picked up a bucket of water and poured it on all of my friends, including me! We were completely drenched when the water hit us, but we were all laughing so hard that it did not matter that we were soaked!
After we finished playing with the balloons, it was already afternoon. The dads started grilling potatoes and other food outside. The air smelled like smoke from the grill, and I could smell spices that made my nose itch. When all of the food was ready, we set up a small bar in the backyard that was filled with different kinds of delicious food. I could smell the scent of warm bread, juicy watermelon and sweet drinks in the air. Everyone was eating in our backyard where we had set up chairs for people to sit and enjoy each other’s company.
After we finished eating, the adults went to prepare the fireworks while the children went upstairs to play board games like Monopoly. We had so much fun playing! One of my friends got mad after running out of money in Monopoly and refused to follow the rules of the game. We had to stop playing and I was mad. But, we started playing other games until sunset when our parents called us outside. They had a table where they had put the fireworks and sparklers for us to play with in the front yard.
Everyone went outside to light the fireworks. The whole day, I had been waiting to set off fireworks. All I could think about in my mind was about the colorful fireworks and sparklers glowing beautifully in the night sky. I was ecstatic that it was finally about to happen! When I went outside to start setting off fireworks and light sparklers, I realized that I had forgotten to get the glow sticks from my room. I had to run back in and get them. When I came back from getting the glow sticks, some friends were already playing with the sparklers our parents had laid out and the air smelled like smoke from the sparklers.
I quickly put down the red, white, and blue glow sticks and grabbed a sparkler. “Can you help me light the sparkler?” I asked my mom. My mom said yes and helped me light the sparkler. The sparkler I picked was so pretty with colors of purple, green, red and yellow. The sparkles popped like mini-fireworks as I stood there holding the sparkler. It was a little scary to hold the sparkler, but so beautiful to watch it shine!
After playing with the sparklers for ten minutes, it was time for the fireworks to be lit. Everyone took turns to light the fireworks, even the kids! There were lots of them shooting in the air in many bright colors that burst through the night sky. When it was my turn to light the fireworks, I got so scared because I thought the fireworks were going to explode on me when I lit them. I ran as far away as I could so the sparks wouldn’t hit me. The firework was huge and made a very loud popping sound as it flew into the air. Its rainbow-like colors filled the night sky with their brilliance.
After all the fireworks were lit, we played with the glow sticks by running in circles to make an illusion of a flag. One of our friends brought chips so we ate chips while we ran through the dark yard as our parents were all talking and laughing. Finally, it was time for all of the friends and family to leave. I was a little bit sad because of their leaving, but that did not mean that all the fun was over! My older sister and I prepared a mattress downstairs in our house because we were going to sleep there for the night. My sister and I stayed up until midnight enjoying each other’s company and listening to fireworks while telling some not that funny jokes. As I was drifting off to sleep, I could still hear fireworks and party music from the neighbors since they were still up celebrating America’s independence.
July the Fourth is an amazing time of the year. I always spend time with my friends and family because we celebrate America’s freedom, but it was most memorable two years ago. This was our biggest, happiest, funniest celebration. If it weren’t for the men and women fighting to protect our freedom today, we wouldn’t have been able to celebrate with our friends and family this year or any year.
2024 THIRD PLACE WINNER
Damian S.
5th Grade, Barrett Elementary School
During the Freedom Fest Essay Contest, I would like to consider my older brother. My brother is a part of the Armed Forces and has been in the Army since he was 18 years old. I’ve seen everything he went through which is why he came to mind.
Thanks to the military men and women for protecting our country and giving us freedom. We thank them for risking their lives to save us. We have to consider them because they go through wars, hard training, and more.
Armed Forces are not the only ones to thank but they are the ones who put themselves first in case of an emergency. I’ve come to learn how difficult it is to stay in the Armed Forces and be physically and mentally prepared for anything.
Thank you to the Armed Forces for training the soldiers the way they are supposed to be. Even if the soldiers have difficult times, they still protect our country and keep us safe and protect our freedom.
Thank you to all the hard-working people who make this country peaceful and safe. Thank you to my brother, Alex, who chooses to be a part of the Armed Forces. Going forward we should do better in the world since we have amazing people around us to protect it.
2023 THIRD PLACE WINNER
Asztryd B.
5th Grade – Mrs. Chappell
Playing in the sun on this year's 4th of July, isn’t just about the fireworks. It is about the history between the Fourth of July and our great Declaration of Independence! The real question is “Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?” The Fourth of July is truly an amazing, and historical celebration.
“What historical accomplishment is celebrated by the Fourth of July?” Well, in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was founded and led us to freedom. Throughout history, our former leaders of the Declaration were Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. You see, they are the main reason we are here standing, being heard, and under our own blanket of rules. They wrote the Declaration of Independence for our chances of being free and to have better life opportunities, whether it's a job or anything in life! We celebrate our role models and the Declaration on the Fourth of July in an important, historical, celebration.
In order to get a clear picture, we need to know how life was before the Declaration of Independence. Facing this challenge back then, against Great Britain wasn’t easy, Great Britain used to own the Thirteen Colonies. Therefore, Great Britain was empowered to rule all colonies. The colonies were furious at how unfairly they were treated, and how little they got respect. They all deserved equal rights! Soon, came their heroes Thomas, Benjamin, and John. These three were heroes to all. They were the presidents who had introduced us to freedom and brought us to this point.
It took great leadership in order to make the Declaration of Independence a reality. First of all, they had to make great suggestions to be an independent citizen. Second of all, they had to convince their “king” to approve their request. The three presidents convinced their king, therefore they were now free but had to make their own rules. For this reason, they held a meeting in Philadelphia, where other historical meetings have played out.
One might think the importance of the Fourth of July is fireworks, the food, and celebrations. However, the spirit of the Fourth of July rests in that, thanks to this, we are free Americans! This means we are empowered to have a better life if we are willing to work hard. We have many options when it comes to culture and religion. This combination of differences makes us proud Americans from this great country.
2022 THIRD PLACE WINNER
Jenny Wheat
“LET FREEDOM RING”
Barrett Elementary School
5th Grade – Mrs. Malek
“Let Freedom Ring!” We have all probably heard that phrase at least once in our lives and how it was said by the famous Martin Luther King, Jr. He was an inspiration to people all over the U.S. and stopped segregation. It’s been said over and over more than a thousand times, but what do you actually think of the phrase? When things are said multiple times they are often overlooked. So, sit down and listen to what I think of the words, “Let Freedom Ring!”
Around 1865, segregation had started. Black men, women and children were being told what they could and could not do, where they could not play on swings and slides. White people and black people were being separated because of the color of their skin. Often, black people were poor because all of the good paying jobs were given to white people. And to make this even worse there was a hate group called the “Ku Klux Klan” also known as the “KKK” or “The Klan”. They assaulted and/or murdered people who were black and not like them. They would leave burning crosses on their victim’s property. They wore white robes and pointed hats to hide their identity. Some black people would sleep with guns just in case they needed to defend themselves. This racism and hate were pretty normal back then!
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. Martin Luther King, Sr., his father, was a pastor; Alberta Williams King, his mother, was a school teacher. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the second oldest child of ten children. Growing up, he went to segregated schools (which was normal). In high school, he skipped two grades which meant he went to college at only 15 years old! Martin went to Morehouse College (which his grandfather and father went to as well) where he studied medicine and law. He also went to a graduate program at Boston University where he met his future wife, Coretta Scott. King and his wife made their home in Montgomery, Alabama, where he became pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. By this time, he had learned and achieved many things.
During the bus boycotts in 1955, King started to be involved with the movement to give rights to black people. In 1957, he and other activists founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He was also voted to be the president of the SCLC. He led many protests and was never violent. But, just because he was never violent didn’t mean people, like officers, were nice or never violent to King and the demonstrators. Police attacked the peaceful demonstrators in protests. King was also arrested 29 times for “…acts of civil disobedience and on trumped-up charges” (from “5 ½ Things You Might Not Know About Martin Luther King, Jr”.) Then, on August 28, 1963, King made his most famous speech of all, “I have a dream.” And, in the speech came the phrase, “Let Freedom Ring.”
So what do I think of the phrase, “Let Freedom Ring”? I think it means that everyone is equal. Everyone should have rights, and we should show that! We should let people know that they matter and their rights have not been forgotten. We should try to do what King did, because he fought for what’s right and wanted freedom for everybody. Even though people would call him names and put him in jail, he was still peaceful, loving and forgiving. And, just like a bell, we should “Let Freedom Ring” and let it be known that everyone is equal no matter the color of their skin!
2021 THIRD PLACE WINNER
Julianna W.
“KAMALA HARRIS: A HERO TO WOMEN”
Jackson Academy of Math and Music
4th Grade - Ms. Gallegos
There are many heroes in our world; one of mine is Kamala Devi Harris. She is a hero to many people including women and African Americans. She is a true leader. But how did she become what she is today?
Kamala Harris became what she is today in amazing ways. Her parents are Donald J. Harris and Shyamala Gopalan. Kamala was born on October twentieth, nineteen sixty-four in Oakland California. She graduated from Howard University and the University of California, and Hastings College of the Law. Kamala began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. Later she was recruited to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. She worked her way up to Vice President in 2021. Her husband is Doug Emhoff. Everything she has done and everyone she has met have morphed her into being the hero she is today.
One of the out of the world things about Harris is how she inspires everyone. She inspires women by becoming the first female Vice President and that shows a leap in our country that she played a part in. Harris is not just the first female Vice President but the first African American and Asian American Vice President too. Kamala Harris is a very inspiring person and to me, that makes her a hero.
There is so much more. I think Kamala is a hero for being herself. She does not let anyone tell her to stop from reaching her goal. Kamala is a strong woman and she follows her dreams. She has gone on a long trip to become our Vice President and has grown on every step. Kamala learns from her mistakes and is not afraid to admit them when she makes them. Harris is strong and loves what she does. To me she is a hero for never stopping on her journey to the spot she stands at today. She is a true leader and has proved that anything is possible. She has done the first half of the run, and now she has inspired us to do the next part to reach equality. She is truly my hero and will use her spot as our Vice president for good.
Kamala Devi Harris is an amazing person. She is a role model to women in the world. Her past inspired her as much as she inspires us. She has turned a step into a leap and will not stop any time soon. Kamala Harris is a hero to me and many people in the world.
2020 THIRD PLACE WINNER
Alana V.
El Toro Elementary
4th Grade - Mrs. Medaxian
“I may be compelled to face danger but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight , I can stand and feed and nurse them.” – Clara Barton –
If I can write a thank you note to someone it would be Clara Barton. She’s an American woman born in Oxford, Massachusetts in 1821. The reason why I would thank her is because she was a pioneering American who founded the American Red Cross.
She was also a hospital nurse in the American Civil War, a teacher and a patent clerk. Clara had a strong passion for helping and caring for others and I am thankful for her example.
The American Red Cross is an organization that helps everyone in need during different emergencies, especially emergencies that are caused by natural disasters. In founding the Red Cross, Clara has helped millions of Americans that are affected by many disasters. To this day the American Red Cross is still a great organization and we should thank Clara for her leadership and passion that continues to strengthen the Red Cross.
Clara also has helped inspire a lot of people to volunteer their time to help people in need. During the Civil war she helped nurse and care for our injured, sick soldiers even though it was a scary time. After the war ended, she reunited soldiers to their families and brought sad news to the families of soldiers that were missing. Her bravery and compassion towards helping others inspires me to want to help people in need and I am thankful to look up to her as a role model.
In conclusion, Clara Barton was a leader, role model, nurse, teacher and a very caring person. You can see how great she was through the work she put into the American Red Cross. She led us all with her example of kindness and caring for others and for that we should all be thankful. So, thank you Clara Barton for being my inspiration and for helping so many people.