By John English
The Flower Mound Messenger

The Americas Foundation Essay Program focused on the United States Supreme Court this school year, and like the Argyle High School winners in the fall, Liberty Christian students rose to the challenge.

"We were very happy with this year’s group," program co-organizer Peyton Inge said. "Each year, the essays just get better and better."

The essay program is held at both Argyle schools each year and the topics revolve around various aspects of the U.S. government.

"I learned more about how vital the Supreme Court is to the establishment of this nation," senior Josh Talbot said. "We, as Americans, need to do a better job of honoring these people."

There were a total of 16 winners in the contest, four for each grade, with the seniors winning $1,000 scholarships each.

Senior Michael Hamel said he sought to write his essay as a comparison between governments and judicial systems.

"I know how power had been abused in the past by countries and leaders, so I went on the assumption that the Supreme Court has helped curb that abuse of power," he said. "I strongly believe that absolute power corrupts absolutely and the Supreme Court keeps the government from having absolute power."

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, who spoke at the awards ceremony, said he believed the writing contest was good for the students. "Competition encourages curiosity and learning, while also rewarding creativity and motivation," Burgess said.

Each of the 16 winners had a different reflection on participating in the annual contest.

Sophomore Hannah Terry said writing her essay helped her appreciate a different branch of the government.

"It is very important who we elect as president, because the president nominates the Supreme Court justices," she said.

For her project, ninth grade student Lizzie Douglass decided to look to the people who had lived it.

"First, I thought it important to find good sources," Douglass said. "There are a number of experts on this subject. I chose books from several individuals who served on the court."

For junior Jared Gilliland, winning was important for a different reason. "I’m $25 richer," Gilliland said.

Among the other dignitaries on hand was Texas Rep. Tan Parker, who said he was very impressed with the ceremony.

"While the essay contest itself focused on the role of the United States Supreme Court, the students at Liberty Christian had the unique opportunity to hear from a host of elected officials, each representing a different facet of public service," Parker said. "My hope is that students were able to take from this contest a better understanding of what it means to be a leader in our society, as well as the understanding that it will not be that long until they are called upon to provide leadership themselves."