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Arts & Entertainment

Whiz Kid: Ciara Samuel, Lu Sutton School

Writing about 'Why I Am Proud to be an American' wins Lu Sutton fifth-grader an award, a check and the opportunity to read her essay at Novato Elks Lodge Dinner.

Every Wednesday, Novato Patch honors a Whiz Kid in the community for doing something special in the classroom, in sports, for charity or maybe for writing a heartfelt essay like last week’s Whiz Kid, eighth-grader Isiah Quiros.

Name: Ciara Samuel

School: Lu Sutton Elementary

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Grade: Fifth

Great Deed: Ciara’s essay “Why I’m Proud to be an American” for the Elks Lodge essay contest took second place in Division 1 (for fifth and sixth graders). Ciara was nominated to be a Whiz Kid by Kathleen Goodhue.

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Key to Awesomeness:  “Ciara wrote a thoughtful and inspiring piece on why she is proud to be an American, and I couldn't be prouder of her. It is wonderful Ciara's efforts as an emerging young writer were recognized.” — Kate Mansergh, Ciara’s teacher

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"Why I Am Proud to be an American"

I am proud to be an American because of all the freedoms we have that people in many different countries do not have. The founding fathers of this country created the Bill of Rights and the Constiution so that everyone could have the same rights and freedoms. Our country is like no other.

I am proud to be an American because we have great schools, and access to education. Some countries have schools but not strong, educational ones.

I am proud to be an American because we have good homes to keep us warm. I am proud that we have clean water in our homes that is available to us. Some countries have dirty, unhealthy water that is not always safe or available. I am proud that our country has good health care; people in other countries that do not have good health care have fewer chances of living a long life.

I am proud to be an American because our country is diverse and accepting of all people, no matter where they come from. America has always welcomed others with open arms.

I am proud to be an American because in our country we are free to vote at 18 and have a say in our leadership. I am proud that we have freedom of speech and religion. People in other countries are often jailed or tortured for expressing their thoughts or beliefs.

American is the best country in the world!

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