Every year the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors a youth essay competition which gives students an opportunity to express their views on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme was “How are you inspired by America?” Thousands of students from New Jersey entered this year’s competition at the district level with the district winners competing at the state-level competition. On Feb. 10, Natalia Hekiert, a seventh grader at St. James School, Basking Ridge, was named this year’s state champion in the Patriots Pen Essay Contest in Toms River.
In her state-winning essay, Natalia opened with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
Throughout her essay, Hekiert focused on political, religious, and cultural freedoms which is her inspiration. “As an American, I can find comfort in practicing my religion and culture without fear of persecution. I am greatly inspired by America to partake in choosing political leaders to ensure a better life for current and future generations. I am proud to be an American!” stated Hekiert.
When asked about the award, Hekiert remarked, “I felt incredibly honored and excited when I found out I won the Patriot’s Pen essay for the state of New Jersey. It was a mixture of surprise, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.” Her essay was picked for first place out of the other seventeen districts in the state. Hekiert’s essay will now enter the national competition against the other states’ winners for top national honors earning a trip to Washington D.C. and the top prize, a scholarship of $5,000.
John Falcone serves as director of Admissions in St. James School, Basking Ridge.