Capper Wins Essay Contest

(From The Monticello Herald Journal - Staff Reports - July 12, 2010)

The winners of the Celebration in the Park’s “Proud to be an American” essay contest were announced during the celebration on July 3.

The contest asked local high school students why they are proud to be a United States citizen. A panel of judges selected the winners, who each earned cash prizes.

The prizes were sponsored by Roth’s Jewelers, Sportsman Inn, Jacob’s Professional Services, McCord Tire, Pearson’s Marina, Wendy’s of Monticello, Heiny Insurance and one anonymous donor.

Tying for second place were Twin Lakes High School students Matt Tam and Ariana Bentley. They each received $150.

Selected as first place with his essay “The Blessing of Capitalism” was Shawn Capper, also a Twin Lakes stu- dent and a resident of the Royal Center area. Capper was given a prize of $500.

Capper’s essay is presented below in its entirety.




I am proud to be an American because I know that when I wake up in the morning, I have the right to choose what I do. These freedoms that I enjoy are not available in a lot of other countries. Our founding fathers have created a capitalistic society, so that we can climb up the ranks of the social classes. These freedoms are granted to us through the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The greatest decision of my family’s ancestors was to come to the newly found U.S.A.

When hundreds of people try to become American by crossing the border illegally, then you know that American is a great place. When people risk their lives to try to get out of Cuba, then you know America is a great place. Scares of Communism, Socialism, Nazism, and Fascism have swept the world, but through all this America has remained a Capitalist society. This kind of society allowed my grandfather, a high school dropout, to improve his life, raise a family, and create a good family name.

Some people say that the U.S. is a melting pot of different cultures. I think that these different cultures have created a unique “American” culture. This culture is thirsty to create a family and improve the next generation’s life. When most people look at the U.S. they look at the crime, pollution, and greed. When I look at America I see a society that strives to improve the life of all of its citizens. The country has survived a Great Depression, two world wars, and even a war between ourselves. Through all of these events our country has managed to come out on top.