2021 Wisconsin Civics Games Contest Winners
The WNA Foundation on Thursday, July 1, announced the winners of the inaugural Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest during a virtual awards ceremony. (Watch it here.)
Launched during Sunshine Week — a continuation efforts by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation to increase civic education and engagement while in-person events were on hold during the pandemic — students were asked to convey their opinion about an issue related to the First Amendment through editorial writing or an editorial cartoon.
Thirteen students received cash awards, certificates and the opportunity to be published by newspapers across the state. They are:
Editorial Cartoon Contest (High School)
Second Place
Marisol Ramirez
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Third Place
Charles Loeffler
Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School
Honorable Mention
Elijah Ashley-Youngblood
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Editorial Cartoon Contest (Middle School)
First Place
Evelyn Loeffler
Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Middle School
Honorable Mention
Sophia Cetera
Bristol School
Editorial Writing Contest (High School)
Use First Amendment to bridge partisan divide
Rather than be used to divide, the First Amendment can be used as a way to build a bridge to connect both sides of the aisle. It’s okay to have steadfast beliefs on issues, but we all must be willing to listen with open ears.
First Amendment freedoms have never been more important
Never have I thought about the First Amendment more, in my 15 years of life, than this past year. Much has happened in this country.
Don’t take the First Amendment for granted
I believe citizens of the United States do not realize how different our country would be without our freedoms and democracy. We have had this amendment for so long that it is hard to think about what our country would be like without it. We need to stop taking it for granted, though.
Misinformation crisis threatens First Amendment freedoms
The newest and scariest challenge that free speech in the United States has faced is the battle against misformation. It’s a crisis that threatens the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment.
Editorial Writing Contest (Middle School)
Can you imagine life without the First Amendment?
Can you imagine life without the First Amendment? If I were not allowed to speak about my beliefs, then I would not be writing this letter. Freedom of speech is essential; without it, even some of the simplest things would be restricted.
A government without free speech does not prosper
If we had not gone through the experience that so many countries have gone through before us, we would make the same fatal flaw of no free speech in our government.
The fine line between free speech and hate speech
Freedom of speech is a great thing, but if we can’t separate hate speech from free speech, the fire is going to spread.
