Jimmy Schork Defines Patriotism in Winning Essay

Name: Jimmy Schork, 11, of Fenton

School: North Jefferson Intermediate School

Family: Parents Jim and Tammy Schork, and a brother, Jeremy, 9.

Accomplishments: Wins award in essay contest sponsored by the High Ridge Elks.

Key to awesomeness: For a student whose interest in sports is all-consuming, winning a writing contest was a surprise, especially for Jimmy's mother. "To get him to write one sentence is like pulling teeth," she said. But the theme of the essay contest was patriotism, and that apparently was all the inspiration Jimmy needed. His uncle is a retired Navy man. "Military stuff is very near and dear to his heart," said Mom.

Jimmy had little to say last week as he shyly stood by with his hands in his pockets while his principal, Kim Quentin, sang his praises in front of a packed room at a school board meeting.  She noted Jimmy's struggles with classwork and complimented the young student on his perseverence in writing the inspirational essay about what patriotism meant to him. At the end, Jimmy flashed a million-dollar smile as he received the applause from the room.

Here is his winning essay:

Why I Am Proud To Be An American

I have many reasons why I am proud to be an American. First of all we are not in slavery and have freedom. Nobody can boss us around; we can do what ever we want if we follow the laws. Secondly I am proud to be an American because we fight for our country. Our soldiers are helping our country to victory and no citizens are getting killed. In the end we are not separated by our race. We can have friends that are different races and we can all go to the same places. Clearly, I am proud to be an American.