B.P.O.E. Lodge 944
Ashland Oregon

The Winning Essays

This year's theme was "What Does Freedom Mean to Me?"

Jesse Stanton’s Essay
Division 2 (7th & 8th grades)
1st in State of Oregon
1st in Nation

To go beyond dreams and pursue their birth, to comprehend each person’s life as a separate entity, these are two qualities of freedom—a word with unending and undying definitions, reflective of the hopes it inspires. Its message resides within each of us, yearning to be heard. Even when suppressed by dictatorial or communistic powers, it finds ways to continue. From the passion of Patrick Henry to the vision of Martin Luther King Jr., someone always comes forward in times of adversity bearing the message of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

For centuries America has been the stronghold for “freedom’s government,” democracy. A haven for the persecuted, it has shown many people a personal definition of freedom and how mercy is more powerful than hatred.

One reason free nations remain great is their citizens understand freedom’s worth. We in America realize liberty comes at a price, and the only way to remain free is to stand behind our flag.

Freedom is the essence of hope, and without hope we are lost. Therefore, if freedom brings about war, let us fight; if peace, let us rejoice. For although peace is a blessing, without war, free nations would not exist.

Jesse is in 7th grade, and is homeschooled
with the assistance of the Willow Wind Community Learning Center.

Clara Fain’s Essay
Division 1 (5th & 6th grade)
2nd in State of Oregon

Throughout the world many people do not get a chance to experience freedom. They can’t even choose their own religion. In the United States people are free to make their own choices. Sometimes we take freedom for granted and abuse it, pushing the privilege too far. In the past many in America weren’t free. Whites enslaved blacks, taking their freedom away. Sometimes people go beyond the acceptable and many suffer.

At times freedom can pull us apart— “Should we go to war or not?” War protects some yet takes the lives of others. I ask, “How can we all be free?”

Poverty can pull us apart. We who are able must provide things like food, clothing, medicine and care to the needy. Fear also pulls us apart. People try to control others with fear. Leaders threaten their people with violence—dictate how they should live and give them no choices.

If we had peace everyone could experience true freedom. It could bring the world together—make us even stronger. If we all lend a helping hand we could make the world a place with no war, poverty or fear. Freedom is opportunity to take chances.

Clara Fain is a 6th grader at Ashland Middle School.

Last updated on 5/18/03