To honor those who have served in the armed forces on Veterans Day, the winner of this year’s Voice of Democracy essay contest read her piece which explored if America today is the vision of the nation’s forefathers.
The Voice of Democracy essay contest is annually hosted by the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1913 in Hopkinsville. This year’s winner was Katie Smith, a Christian County High School Sophomore.
Reading her essay, Smith shared that the forefathers intended for the U.S. to be a country of equality and where people with different beliefs could coexist. However, attaining equality is still a challenge not yet won, when there are still obstacles such as systemic racism as well as educational, judicial and economic disparities.
Smith also spotlighted that there are advancements that have been made that reflect the hopes the forefathers had for the future. She read that the forefathers would be amazed with advancements in education, technology and medicine that have taken place since the ratification of the constitution.
Smith was presented with a certificate and a $200 check. Now she will compete in the district Voice of Democracy essay contest. Runner ups Elizabeth Smith, a Hopkinsville High School Junior, and Lacey Paige a Christian County High School Junior, were presented with certificates and $100 checks.
The contest had additional runner ups, but they were not able to attend the reading.