Congratulations Ryan Jolton for Winning the Front Range "What Freedom Means" Essay Content3/16/2018
By Dan Wille
D’Evelyn is full of exceptional students and as teachers we have the privilege of instructing, coaching, and mentoring students to succeed in our program in preparation for post-secondary success. One of the greatest moments we get to experience, however, is seeing the natural abilities of our students complement our instruction to demonstrate the uniqueness of each child. 8th grader Ryan Jolton recently provided his teachers with this opportunity when he won the Sertoma Essay Contest with his essay about “What Freedom Means” to him. Ryan, along with over a thousand students in Colorado, submitted his essay and after a meticulous review process his essay was selected as the winner for the Front Range district. This is the first time a D’Evelyn student won the Sertoma Essay Contest at the district level. During the award luncheon held at the Pinehurst Country Club, Ryan was recognized as the winner where he demonstrated his maturity, professionalism and poise by presenting his essay in front of hundreds of individuals. To further demonstrate his abilities, he flawlessly read his essay without rehearsing it! This was no surprise as he is described by his English teacher, Ms. Kelley Young, as a student who can do everything well. She specifically recognizes how he exceptionally analyzes and understands literary works while also using his charisma to present his ideas. Ryan is the personification of the ideal student who uses his natural talents to advance the knowledge and skills he masters through the D’Evelyn experience. The D’Evelyn community is immensely proud of Ryan for his accomplishments. Please join us in congratulating him! Below is a copy of his award-winning essay: “What Freedom Means” by Ryan Jolton While freedom sounds simple to define, I have found that it means different things to different people. Given this relative definition, I recently pondered what freedom means to me while observing the national anthem during a football game. I have the ability to watch a football game in the stands and root for whichever team I want, as long as I do not yell “fire.” I can go to our car with my father and we can drive pretty much anywhere we want, as long as we abide by traffic laws. I can enjoy a beautiful day without worry of being arrested, as long as I live within the law. Thus, freedom comes with limits that protect the freedom of others. Writing this today, Veterans Day, I know that many brave people fought to make our country free to establish laws of the people, by the people, and for the people. These are our laws that we get to vote on. I may not agree with a law, but I know that I have the right to work to change it. In addition, on this holiday, I also realize that freedom is not free. It must be continually defended. For now, though, I am just a thirteen year old boy and freedom truly means being able to play baseball, talk to friends, believe in something, go to school, and enjoy time with my family. No amount of money, no perfect adjective, no perfect definition can describe the value or meaningfulness of this freedom to me. I get to live an exciting life. I am allowed to express my own opinions. I am allowed to question the opinions of others. These rights, liberties and activities bring me happiness and, therefore, define freedom for me. The Scholars of the Month for March were selected by the Electives Department and are as follows: |
Scholars of the MonthTwo Junior High School students (boy and a girl) and two High School students (boy and girl) are selected each month October - May by D'Evelyn teachers. Each month the Scholars of the Month will receive a framed certificate, their names will be in the announcements, and their pictures will be displayed in the display case next to the Athlete of the Month display case. Archives
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