Casper- Winners of the American Dream Essay contest were announced at a ceremony in Casper on Sunday, April 15th at the Ramkota Hotel. The competition has given the opportunity for Wyoming High School Students to share their stories for the past 22 years. It is open to any Wyoming High School or Home School Student, and students are asked to write an essay centered on one of the “Ten Principles to Live By,” from best selling author Jim Owens’ book “Cowboy Ethics.” The event is a celebration of the first place winner from each of the 23 schools represented.
The first place winner, Jase Bright from the Heathrow Academy, wrote “Starving for Courage,” which is a touching story that recounted his life in a Chinese orphanage before he was adopted by an American family. His story reminds us to “Live Each Day With Courage.” Jase received a total of $5,300 for his essay.
Second place went to the essay titled, “Splinters and Seeds,” written by Savannah Fagan of Encampment High School. Savannah highlighted the principle, “Do What has to be Done” in her essay, which focused on a gut wrenching decision she was forced to make as a young child. She received $3,300 in prize money.
“Surviving the Ocean of Trauma” by Samantha Kelsay of Niobrara High School was the third place winner. When reading her essay, we are reminded to “Know Where to Draw the Line,” when she described escaping an abusive household. Samantha received $2,300 for her essay.
Two students also received honorable mentions for their essays. Ashley Gross, from Natrona County High School wrote “The Missing Piece” and Grace Good-Jessen wrote “A Breath of Courage.” They both received $1,300 for their submissions.
Dr. Joe McGinley, Founder and CEO of The McGinley Clinic, gave the congratulatory address. He shared his journey to summit the highest peaks on each of the seven continents using his story to encourage the youth to set their own goals to accomplish all that they can in their lifetime.
The American Dream Essay contest is sponsored by the Zimmerman Family Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, Hilltop National Bank, Larry and Margo Bean, Kevin and Julie Murphy, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. To learn more about this contest please visit americandreamessay.org or call (307)235-4079.
