DCS juniors participate in essay contest to reflect on their role as American citizens

DCS juniors Kayla Williams, Morgan Kelly, Theresa Bernesser and Steven Couture were finalists in the Duanesburg Republican Club's essay contest on the roles and responsibilities of being an American citizen.

January 21, 2007 - "In my role as an American citizen, I will try my hardest to participate in the political society and exercise my rights and responsibilities... I plan on being active in my community throughout my life. I’m already practicing this responsibility by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Houses, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and being a Girl Scout. I’ve held fund raisers for my school and local charities. I know my rights and responsibilities, I’m proud to live in the U.S.A., and I plan on being a true American citizen."

-Theresa Bernesser

The selection above was written by Duanesburg junior Theresa Bernesser in her winning essay for the Duanesburg Republican Club's essay contest. The contest was open to all Duanesburg High School juniors to write on the theme, "Reflecting on my role as an American citizen."

Bernesser will receive a $100 prize and certificate of achievement. Steven Couture placed second and Morgan Kelly and Kayla Williams tied for third place. They will each receive certificates of achievement.

This is the first year for the essay contest, which tied in closely with the junior course curriculum covering American history and government.

“We were interested in having the students learn about the importance of a democracy,” said Duanesburg Republican Club President Barbara Watt. “We wanted them to understand that their thoughts and opinions are important. Students need to know that as citizens they have a responsibility and obligation to participate in the political process."

“The essay contest was an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on what they learned during the course,” said Social Studies Teacher Sue Clark. “It allowed them to think thoughtfully about what type of citizen they would like to be.”

After DCS social studies teachers reviewed all of the submissions and narrowed the selections down to 12 finalists, they were submitted to the Duanesburg Republican Club for judging.

To read Bernesser’s complete essay, visit http://www.duanesburgrepublicans.com/events2.html.

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