2026 SECOND PLACE WINNER
Karl S.
Jackson Academy of Math and Music
“Dreamers, doers and believers”
The world would be nothing without dreamers, doers, and believers. Each one plays a major role in society and some result in others. To be a doer you have to be a dreamer and to be a dreamer you have to believe. To be a believer you have to believe in yourself and believe in others around you and let them help you. To be a dreamer you have to believe in yourself and truly believe your dreams are possible. And to be a doer you have to be brave enough to believe in your dreams and have enough courage to put them in action and not let anything stop you.
Nations were formed by these people. They have literally created the USA from the ground up. It took dreamers searching for a better life to come to the USA. They were doers because they endured many hardships to make their dreams come true. It also took believers to believe that they could have a new life where they could do what they want to do, say what they want to say and believe what they want to believe. This nation wouldn't be the same without these qualities. When you truly believe with all your heart that you can do something the only way to figure out if you actually can do it is to try; if you never give up and put action towards your dreams almost anything is possible and the only way to figure out if it isn't is to try.
One thing I believe is that all people should be treated equally. I strongly believe this because when it comes to what people deserve I feel like everyone deserves to be treated the same. I don't feel like anyone should be treated differently for something they were born with and that they can't do anything to change. When people don’t experience equal treatment for doing the same thing someone else did it makes me angry. One day I hope to do something to make a difference and help in the long fight for equality.
I admire someone who has a dream and has enough courage to follow through with it. I do this because the amount of people that don't give up on their dreams is becoming less and less. For these reasons I say if your dream is to be a famous writer practice and keep working to become better at your craft. If your dream is to become a musician, keep practicing and playing music and don't give up. If you have a dream you can't sit around for something to happen. You have to make an effort for change or nothing will ever happen; if you have a dream don't hide it from yourself and let your dreams get taken away. Your dreams and beliefs are one of the major things that make you the person you are so don't let that get taken away. All and all dreamers, doers, and believers are important and we would be nothing without them so appreciate all the dreams and beliefs you have as well as the things you were able to accomplish.
2025 SECOND PLACE WINNER
Karl S.
“Stars, Stripes, and Stories”
When I think of stars, stripes and stories, it brings to mind so many thoughts about Morgan Hill. The stars I think of in Morgan Hill are our teachers, community leaders, and first responders. Our stripes, I think, are our community, each different, but all the same. When I think of our stories, I think of those that share a purpose or meaning.
The stars of Morgan Hill, I can name so many. One important to me is Mrs. Karen Crane. Mrs. Crane has been an important part of my life. She has played an important role in teaching me and so many others music and its purpose. Every year with the Patriotic Sing, I get to meet adults that come back to see her who were part of her program many years ago. I now get to help other kids in my community learn the same songs and their purpose and meaning. Mrs. Crane also shares her knowledge of Morgan Hill’s rich history such as stories of Isola Kennedy, stories of our community and the military branches. When you are a part of any event with Mrs. Crane, you can see how people love her, yell for her, and run up to hug her.
I also think of my many classroom teachers who spend so much time helping every student grow and attempting to always keep them on task. Another star I think of is my mom. My mom loves always being helpful. She helps her community and volunteers a lot. She’s a teacher and she works very hard at her job. Last, but not least, our first responders, because they have saved my life several times.
Our stripes, I see as our different communities. For example, our school community, our housing community and the entire Morgan Hill community all together. The stripes on a flag next to each other are just like streets where we have our houses and apartments. The streets where we live are our first introduction to the community. The last stripe on the flag, I think, is the Morgan Hill community. The flag represents freedom and I feel the entire community comes together to see Freedom Fest.
Our stories like these are important because we need them to learn. They teach us how to not do something when it is not the right thing, as well as shaping us into the people we are today. Some of our Morgan Hill Stars share stories of the past, present, and help guide the future. My stories consist of my life in Morgan Hill. History shared by my peers, my teachers, and Mrs. Crane.
Lastly, I share my stories. My stories of fainting on stage, and how scary fainting is. Stories of participating in the Patriotic Sing, Freedom Fest Essay Contests, Morgan Hill 4th or July Parade, watching the car show, and Fireworks. Stories of our communities coming together in one place to celebrate stars, stripes, and stories.