Students earn Sam Nunn Citizenship Award

On Thursday, two Houston County elementary school students received some fan mail and a $50 check from former Sen. Sam Nunn.

The students – Annabel Castillo, a fourth grader at Matt Arthur Elementary, and Haley Palmer, a fifth grader at Kings Chapel Elementary – were selected as the first winners of the Sam Nunn Citizenship Award. The awards were announced at the headquarters of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber president and CEO Darlene McLendon read congratulatory letters from Nunn to each of the girls.

“These essays are very encouraging and the insights of these girls are just amazing,” McLendon said.

The students were chosen based on proven displays of good citizenship through community service or extracurricular activities. In addition, students must be passing all grades, currently be a student in third, fourth or fifth grade, be recommended by their teacher, and submit an essay with their application.

The two essays follow:

Outstanding Citizens

“When you think of a good citizen, what comes to mind? A good citizen is a person who cares, is involved, honest and kind to the community. An example of being a good citizen is doing good deeds, helping elderly, and keeping the community clean. A good citizen helps in many other ways.

“A good citizen must care about their community. You can show that you care by being very grateful for everything. Most good citizens first learn how to be good citizens at home with family and friends. They also learn at school and church. Having a good education and learning to be productive and conservative are all traits of a good citizen. A good citizen also does not use drugs.

“A good citizen is involved in their community. He or she follows politics and votes. Citizens don’t have to go to church, but it is good to learn from the church community. He or she donates to charity to help the poor, elderly and sick.

“Good citizens are important to their community because they worry about other citizens they don’t even know. All it takes is a few good citizens to have a great community. Get involved in your community to be the best citizen you can be.”

Annabel Castillo

•••

“Why are good citizens important to the community? Well, lend me your ear and I’ll tell you. Citizens can give money to those in need. They can help nature grow as well as helping churches serve food. What do you do for your community? Can you take out the trash, pick up garbage, or lend a hand to the elderly? Giving is believing. Give hope to someone who is lost in life.

“If you are reading this, listen to me. You can do anything to help. Start by not allowing anyone tell you to make fun of someone that is different. That includes your friends. Listen to your heart and do what’s right. I am NOT wrong about this. Find the people in your class that need your help and do it. If they need tutoring, offer your assistance.

“Try it and be a good citizen. It’s my passion and I hope it’s yours. You can help your neighborhood, or even the world! If you think no one can be a good citizen, think twice!

“If I went to the hospital and gave a smile to a little girl, I bet you can too. I have a good citizen in me. If you don’t, try giving food and/or money to people in need. Keep calm and be the citizen you are called to be.”

Haley Palmer

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