America 250 Essay Contest Winners
Enumclaw School District is proud to recognize the four ESD students selected as winners in the America 250: Voices of the Foothills Student Essay Contest, presented by the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Enumclaw School District and the City of Enumclaw.
The contest invited students to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States and share their perspectives on America, community, and the values they hope future generations will carry forward. Student submissions highlighted themes of kindness, freedom, responsibility, respect, community, belonging, and hope for the future.
This year’s winners are:
Ethan Jimenez Cahett, Grade 4, Southwood Elementary
Jude Schierenbeck, Grade 4, Southwood Elementary
Abhigna Mandava, Grade 8, Thunder Mountain Middle School
Jaxon Shelton, Grade 7, Enumclaw Middle School
Because the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce did not receive entries in the high school category, two winners were selected from each of the elementary and middle school categories.
The student essays reflected both personal pride and a thoughtful understanding of what it means to contribute to a strong community. In their essays, Ethan Jimenez Cahett wrote about independence, respect, kindness, and the importance of family. Jude Schierenbeck shared a vision for making America a better place through kindness and caring for the environment. Abhigna Mandava reflected on equal rights, liberty, and civic responsibility as important values for the next generation. Jaxon Shelton wrote about the importance of working together and building friendships.
You can read their full essays here.
As winners of the America 250: Voices of the Foothills Student Essay Contest, students will receive special recognition throughout the community. Winners will be honored as Co-Grand Marshals in the Enumclaw Fourth of July Parade, have their essays published on the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce website, and receive community recognition through local media and partner organizations. They will also be recognized by the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, Enumclaw School District, and the City of Enumclaw for their thoughtful contributions and for sharing their voices during this historic commemoration.
Enumclaw School District congratulates these students on this special recognition and thanks the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce for creating an opportunity to celebrate student voices. Their essays remind us that students have meaningful perspectives to share about the past, present, and future of our community and country.
