Beech Tree News Network

Miss Jenna Phelps, a senior at Butler County High School is the recipient of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship this year.  Her Parents are Gary and Leigh Phelps of Morgantown.

    Her essay was:                 

"What it Means to Be an American Citizen"

                When thinking about what it means to be an American citizen, I am first thankful for all the men and women that 

    sacrificed their lives that I can experience freedom.  I am grateful to be an American, each branch of our military serves 

    to maintain this privilege.

        To be free means that I can become who I am meant to be!  I can study and learn about things that interest and matter

     to me.  If I lived in other countries, I would be told what career path to follow.  In the United States, students have the 

    opportunity to choose what they want to do in life.

        I have the right to free speech.  I can say and believe whatever I want.  Our ancestors came to America for religious 

    freedoms, so they could worship and serve God.  Today, I can still go to church without my government being involved 

    in how I worship God.  This freedom of religion is important to me.  I can't imagine living in a country that dictates what 

    religion or god that I must serve. 

        I can go places I want to go and live where I want to.  I have the right to own my own land and bear arms to protect myself.  

    I can vote and decide which candidates that best represent me.  I am a part of my nation and that makes me proud.  I'm 

    not eighteen yet, but I look forward to the day that I will be able to vote in Local, State and National levels.

        As a citizen of the United States freedom is available to us all.  Freedom is precious and must be protected.  I don't 

    take it for granted.  It means everything to me to be free.  I am proud to be a US citizen. 

She will receive the scholarship at the Silver Tea at the Butler County High School Commons Area, April 20, 2023, 7:00 PM.

All recipients and parents are invited to attend the event to recognize students and their accomplishments this year.