Art & Essay contest winners

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In the pledge of allegiance, it states "with liberty and justice for all". This is the phrase that ensures us liberty and justice. To me liberty means the ability to do whatever I want in order to have a better life and to live in a better world. For instance, without liberty we would not have our fancy and high tech machines. This is because if there were no liberty, then people would not have jobs or opportunities to make things to enhance their lives. With jobs and opportunities we, as a country, have a better economy so we have no hunger .
We are very privileged in this country because we have liberty. With this we have education. We can learn from one another and our teachers. We learn to do things more efficiently to improve the world. Because of liberty and education combined we are more successful in our country .We also have freedom of religion so we can live in peace and harmony.
I am proud of the men and women who help us fight for freedom all around the world. They fought in many places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa to gain freedom for citizens of other countries. We must not forget the event of September 11 and not let the terrorist destroy liberty around the world. We must not take liberty for granted. All of us have to do our part to make this a better world. And we need to help the United States of America in fighting terror.

4th Grade
1st place Shelsea Ramirez
P.S. 94
I was arriving in the United States, when I saw it,
The Statue of Liberty.
To me it meant I was free, I would have my rights
And I would have a better life,
When I saw it, I cheered.
I remembered how it was before I came to
The United States,
But I knew it would be better here.
I would no longer have to go through the hard conditions of
South America.
One of the reasons I knew it was better was because of
The Statue of Liberty.
It made me feel safe
And just by looking at it,
It seemed like the best place to be was
The United States.
I felt that I would have many opportunities.
It made all of us see that this was a peaceful place,
And that we were
Free.
Liberty was enlightening the world
And
The beginning of our new lives

I remember September 11th and the feeling I had when I realized that my favorite building was no longer there. It
didn't seem possible. I remember running home from school and going into my room and looking at my New York City poster. One of the first sights that stood out on my poster was The Statue Of Liberty. She was still there, safe and untouched.
Liberty Enlightening The World, a beautiful copper goddess that stands so proud in the center of New York Harbor. A gift given from France to the United States, a gift that represented friendship and the symbol of liberty. In her right hand she holds a torch, which symbolizes she is "enlightening the world". Her crown with seven spikes that represents the seven seas and continents. In her left arm she cradles a tablet bearing the date of the Declaration Of Independence, July 4, 1776.
When I look at her I think of my ancestors and the millions of immigrants that saw her for the first time. I think of the hope that they must have felt when they saw her. I prayed on September 11th that we would all feel like that again, full of hope and safe.

3rd place Matthew Bedrossian
St. Anastasia
DEAR LADY LIBERTY
There On A Pedestal For All To See
A Gift From France And Here You Stand
High Above New York City's Harbor With A Torch In Your Hand
A Symbol Of Freedom, Equality And Hope
Viewed By Presidents, Kings, Queens And Even The Pope
Your Light Allows All People To Know
That This Ever Changing World Can Grow
Stronger Everyday
Dear Lady Liberty
Look How Far We Have Come
To Realize You're Important To Everyone
You Are A Role Model To Us All
You Stand So Proud At Three Hundred Five Feet Tall
Showing All Who Pass You By
The Reason We Need To Try
To Love One Another
Dear Lady Liberty
May I Call You By Your Full Name
" LIBERTY ENLIGHTENING THE WORLD "

Liberty is enlightening the world in many different ways. One way is that it gives people an opportunity to make a better life for them and their families. Liberty also changed many unfair laws that needed to be changed and gave equal rights. If freedom hadn't been discovered yet, some people might still be slaves, still be chained up, tortured, beaten or just be treated very badly. Most of the people in America would probably still be under British control and be forced to pay the Stamp Act or any other unfair and highly paid taxes.
People would also have no choice and do jobs they don't want to do and life would be much harder, but liberty makes it much easier. Liberty also gives the right to vote and give your opinions to the council. Liberty will also give people at least one chance to be successful at something.
Another way freedom is enlightening the world is that there is no more segregation, people do not have to be separated just because of their skin color, students do not have to have separate schools and everybody is treated equally.
The Statue of Liberty is also another symbol which stands for liberty . The Statue of Liberty also represents opportunity and freedom. And is part of helping the United States of America have its freedom and it's liberty.

Liberty is Essential
Freedom benefits the world by letting more people express their opinions freely without being worried about being arrested or being in danger. It also helps people know that their opinion is valued. Voting is another way that freedom benefits the world. If people didn't vote, then there would be no say in what laws the government could pass, or maybe a government official with no experience would be elected. If there were no freedom in this world, then you couldn't go to places that you would like to go. For example, if your friend or relative lived in another state or country , you wouldn't be able to visit them unless the government allowed you to. Also, you would not be able to live your life the way you wanted to live it. For example, if you wanted to become a medical doctor, no matter how good you were, you would not be able to make it your career if the government said you could not.
We can defend our freedom by continuing to live a free life without taking it for granted. If other countries can see how much freedom helps our nation, they might take us as a good example of how freedom helps the world. Then they will also want to be free, just like us. Not only does living a free but responsible life help other countries to be free, it also helps America become a wonderful nation.

3rd place Brittany Nieves
St. Anastasia
LIBERTY IN THE US TODAY
People travel near and far
by using ships, canoes, or maybe car
The United States is a sight to see and the #1 place to be
Some people wanted power,
Some people wanted peace,
But what the people wanted most of all was their
liberty Liberty to choose,
Liberty to speak,
Liberty to be who you wanted to be
Liberty isn't everywhere
that it could possibly be
but the United States is helping those countries
so they can
also see what it's like to have
liberty
Liberty is still in the United States
today and
enlightens the world in many,
many ways.

In different ways freedom can benefit our world. Many people immigrate to the United States because of the freedom we have. Some of the freedom we have come from the Amendments. Amendments are a group of rights that allow the citizens of the United States to have their freedom. One of the Amendments is freedom of religion. This Amendment allows the people to change from one religion to another religion. Another Amendment is freedom of speech. This Amendment allows the people to say whatever they want to say. All of these Amendments have brought people from other countries to come and have freedom. That is why the population of the United Sates has increased. Freedom has changed the lives of the immigrants and of the who are citizens.

We have different ways of defending our freedom. One way is fighting in war, which is what is happening now in Iraq. The men and women of our armed forces are in Iraq and fighting for Operation: Iraqi Freedom. Another way is to be involved politically and vote. Though, to vote you have to register and be eighteen years or older. By voting you can have part in choosing who should be part of congress. This is important because everyone wants to speak their mind, and by voting your voice can be heard. By voting everyone can help make a difference! As you can see, freedom is important in our world.

2nd place Sarah Kohler
St. Anastasia
One nation under God
With liberty and justice for all
This has always been our motto,
And we've caused many dictators to fall.
If all the nations had freedom,
What a wonderful world it would be.
We could travel and mingle quite freely
From the shores to the Statue of Liberty .
This statue has given us pleasure
And has welcomed everyone to our shore
When the French first gave us this statue
A tradition of friendship she bore.
Our beleif in the right to liberty ,
Has caused us suffering and strife
We have gallantly given our forces,
And we've lost more than one life.
Now our freedom is being invaded,
By Al Qaeda, a terrorist band
We have done everything possible,
to protect this wonderous land.
We'll continue to protect our freedom,
And we'll keep our Old Glory unfurled,
We'll honor our statue of freedom,
And let liberty enlighten the world.

The Light in the Night
It was late May in 1912, when a ship arrived in New York harbor. Men, women, and children on that boat were hoping for a better life here, in America. They had been sailing for 16 days, and were tired, sick, and hungry. They had come from the country of Spain. They wanted to escape their fearsome dictator .
As they pulled into the harbor, they saw the beautiful Statue of Liberty, its torch alight. For the immigrants, it was a sign of the new freedom they would now have. A little 5 year-old boy said to his mother, "Mama look! A lady in the water! But what is she doing there? She'll catch a cold!" His mother replied, "It is not a real woman, though it is a statue. She is a sign of freedom for all of those in this country." "Does that mean," asked the little boy, "that she'll be a sign of freedom for us too ?" "Yes," said the mother, "she will be a sign of freedom for us too." Others on the ship had also sighted the lady in green, some with tears in their eyes. They admired the beautiful torch in one hand, and a book in her other. They were amazed by the sight as they stopped at Ellis Island. They were all so excited about finally reaching the place of freedom.

They all clambered off of the ship and signed a long list that contained the names of other immigrants. They were checked by doctors for diseases. As they waited on the long line to be checked, they all hoped that they would not be sent back to Spain if they were sick. Sadly, one woman had to be sent back to the country she had tried to escape.
Now that the immigrants had arrived in America, they wondered where to go. There was a little motel near the dock where they stayed the night. The little boy stared out of the window at the Lady of Liberty .He saw a flag being raised. The boy and other immigrants did not know they had arrived on such an important day in history .It was Memorial Day. He promised himself, how young he was, that
one day he would do something to repay this glorious country .The next morning some went to stay with relatives, while others went looking for apartments. While on the streets, they saw many flags, all of which were the same, red and white stripes with a blue section and some stars. About 30 years later, America was fighting many other countries in World War II. The young boy, who was now a 35 year-old man, left his job at JC Penny to enlist in the navy. He did this because of the promise he had made to himself when he first arrived in this country .He fought proudly under the American flag. His wife and children feared for his safety.
It was Memorial Day again when, while fighting in Germany, the man finally realized the danger he was in. What would his wife and children do if something happened to him? How would his wife care for their family alone?
Sadly, the man died that day. Now his grandchildren visit his grave every Memorial Day. They honor him and his friends on this day. They retell the story of when he arrived in this beautiful country and how he kept the promise he made to himself many years ago.
This story should remind us all to appreciate our freedom and keep our promises.

Liberty... is it the statue or is it a freedom that many take for granted and that others only long to have?
When a person is in the New York harbor looking at lady liberty, her majesty and beauty, teach and welcome people to her shores. She welcomes the new arrivals with the hope of a better life than where they came. Coming from France in 1885 she was full of examples to show the world how liberty could enlighten the world by showing how different cultures can live together under one happy roof, with peace and respect for all the people who travel from the seven continents represented on her crown.
Over 50 years ago my grandparents came to America with the hope of a better life for themselves and the family they left behind. When they arrived they were overwhelmed by the diversity of the people they saw in their communities. Through their hard work and sacrifices they were able to make a new life for themselves and in time they brought the enlightenments of liberty to share with their families. One of things that is often told in our family stories is the pride they felt when they knew that they were living in the land of liberty and freedom that they couldn't experience in their own land. Liberty does more than offer opportunities and freedoms; it teaches the world that with respect and understanding we can all live together in peace.

2nd place Joey Bobrow
M.S. 67
Liberty always lets you in, no matter the color of your skin.
She'll be there for you, through thick and thin.
But if you bring her down,
You ' II be destined to wear a frown.
She needs lots of respect;
Don't give her a push, shove, or check.
She lets you say what you want to one another.
But don't be too harsh; don't hurt each other.
Liberty , she's like nobody else.
If you're lucky, she'll give you wealth,
A few nice things, and perfect health.
Liberty enlightens the world; she'l1 enlighten you too!
It's not so easy; try taking a walk in her shoe.
Giving people freedom, every which way,
It's not an easy task to do every day.
So give her respect, not a push, not a shove.
Treat her right and she'l1 give you care and love.
Remember every morning whatever you do
How Liberty enlightens the world and enlightens you!

3rd place Katie Klaric
St. Anastasia
Liberty
Standing at 306.7 feet tall
She sheds liberty and light to all
She gave hope to immigrants wishing to see
What it felt like to finally be free
Sent here all the way from France
She gave living life a second chance
Enlightening and brightening
For everyone and everything
She sends out the message of
Truth, beauty, freedon, and love
Her land will forever sing
From the joy and happiness that she brings
Proudly pledging independence and virtue
She is the statue of all statues

For life
Wasn't meant
To be spent
In strife

Suicide bombers in Israel, Iraq, and even in Saudi Arabia. All of it anti-American anti-Israeli, and anti-Liberty. Why does the concept of liberty, which lights the world, bring out so much extreme violence, death, and devastating responses ?
The very concept that is a shining beacon for this planet, this world of ours, is probably the most frightening concept for so many. The United States and other countries, especially Western ones, have constitutions steeped in traditions of liberty , freedom and the choices that can be made by the people themselves. It's this that makes for a friendlier, less harsh and rigid world, one of hope and visions of a beautiful life of free will and choices.
Religions are always open to interpretations and the right to practice them. There are many political aims in the world that cannot tolerate liberty. People with choice -how dangerous in so many people's minds.
Why does it have to be this way? What finerdecisions have ever been made than those in concert together, in agreement, with a majority embracing the concept? And the minority is not vanquished or destroyed. They continue to campaign for their idea, waiting for another time for it to come to another vote, maybe even a census. Liberty does not mean that the "winner takes all". Freedom is not only for the majority. Liberty and freedom ensure the best world for the largest numbers.
Liberty enlightens the world, and no amount of violence, political ideology or religion, will ever take away this truth. Liberty is given from above, from Almighty God. He makes it stir in our hearts and enables liberty to lead us, and yes, to enlighten the world.

2nd place Christian Ventura
St. Anastasia
We live in a world of darkness,
Some people are very thoughtless.
Why can't we restore the peace,
And just make all the wars cease.
People come, People go
Sometimes forget to show,
A little respect
To the people they know.
We need to pray everyday.
We need to say,
Stop fighting, okay?
Remember what are country has gained,
It fought threw all those aches and pains.
Please enlighten our world today,
Liberty has come to stay.
Show the people what they need,
In God's words they should heed.
Then our lives will proceed,
Wait a minute, and you shall see !
Thank you for your time,
To listen to this rhyme.
I want to express the message and shout,
Liberty enlighten us,
Say it proud.

Many people do not know that "Liberty Enlightening the World" is the actual name of the Statue of Liberty, a monument of The United States of America. It is a statue of a woman stepping on a broken chain, bearing a tablet upon which is the date of our nation's creation. She holds high a golden-flamed torch. The statue is a symbol to immigrants and natives alike, soldiers, and civilians, and especially New York inhabitants. There is no American unfamiliar with the Statue of Liberty , but many are unfamiliar of what it actually means and stands for. We as Americans are always speaking of liberty , but do we ever stop to think what it really means? Do we ever stop and realize that The United States of America wasn't always in existence, and wasn't always free and independent. The idea is liberty, and liberty is what we as Americans have always wanted. It was the reason the Revolutionary War was fought, and it's the reason the country was founded for. Whether people fled here for religious freedom, political freedom, or a better economical situation, they came with the dream that "in America we are free." Liberty is the right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing. This, along with the right to life, and the pursuit of happiness are the unalienable rights granted to U.S. citizens in 1776. .Despite the success of so many immigrants, the original idea of Liberty Enlightening the World should not be forgotten.

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Grand Prize 5th Grade Alex Fong P.S. 98 Essay

4th Grade
1st place Shelsea Ramirez, P.S. 94	2nd place Andrew Vatier, St.Anastasia	3rd place Matthew Bedrossian , St. Anastasia

5th Grade
1st place Jordan Leung, P.S. 98	2nd place Nicole Yuen, P.S. 98	3rd place Brittany Nieves, St. Anastasia

6th Grade
1st place Meagan Molina, St. Anastasia	2nd place Sarah Kohler, St. Anastasia	3rd place Erica Morelli, St. Anastasia

7th Grade
1st place Cristina Lastres, M.S. 67	2nd place Joey Bobrow, M.S. 67	3rd place Katie Klaric, St. Anastasia

8th Grade
1st place Joseph Tartaglia, St. Anastasia	2nd place Christian Ventura, St. Anastasia	3rd place Alexandra Jean-Joseph, St. Anastasia