ROCHELLE ­ — Each year American Legion Post 403 sponsors an essay contest that is part of a American Legion national essay competition. The topic for 2020 was “What Can I do to Unite Our Country?”

Eswood School winners are Kyra Bivins and Ashley Dwyer. American Legion representatives including former Post Commander Steve Korth and Senior Vice Commander John Gruben presented the winners with certificates.

First and second place winners from Rochelle Middle School are Ayme Owen and Christopher Castellanos. American Legion representatives Korth, Gruben and Junior Vice Commander Theresa Crystal presented the winners with certificates.

St. Paul Lutheran School’s second place winner was Emma Kennay and Post 403 grand prize winner was  Elin Zheng. Zheng’s essay will advance to the district level of the competition.  American Legion representatives Korth and Gruben presented the winners with certificates.

Steward School winners are Jack Tarvestad  and Shelby Kaspar. American Legion representatives Korth and Gruben presented the winners with certificates.

The following is eighth grade St. Paul Lutheran School student Elin Zheng's grand prize winning essay:

What can I, as a United States citizen, do to unite America? As an individual, I alone cannot unite the entire country, but through my actions, I can inspire others to do the same. I am only one person, but by showing no matter who you are, you can do something and inspire others too. It does not matter how big or small your actions are, because through teamwork, anything is possible.

Some people might think that the only actions that matter are big and drastic ones, but all actions matter. Although one person cannot change everything by themselves, by joining together, we as a group can contribute to the effort of uniting our country together. The reason I say our country instead of this country is to show unity among us as United States citizens. As citizens, we must treat others with respect and kindness no matter what their background is. We cannot be so fast to judge others just because of the way they look or act because you do not know what their situation is. We are not just individuals living in a land; we are a community of people that help each other out and shine our light on others.

Small things like donating to those who are in need might seem insignificant to some, but many times, it changes people's lives for the better. By donating, it shows that we care about others even if they have never met before. Showing you care in small and big ways gives hope to others that things are going to get better. Donating helps more than just those in yourcommunity, it helps many people across the country. It helps families and individuals who aren't as fortunate as others. One day in the future, you may be the one that needs support and hope in your life and you can think about the many people whoare willing to show kindness and shine a light for you. With hope, people's spirits are renewed, and they have a chance for a better life.

Many times people think to themselves, "why should I be the one responsible when there are plenty of other people." If that were to be everyone's thought process, then we would all be sitting ducks. Sitting there and waiting for others to do something  when  you  can  do something and take action. Right this moment, I can guarantee you that there is someone out there needing light and hope. Without unity among us, we would be like strangers in a foreign land with no identity and our country's name would be letters with no meaning. Through our unity, we show others that we are strong and that we can work together as a country prospering under our name,  the United States of America.