by Cori Hilsgen
Kennedy Community School fifth-grader Gage Morcomb believes people should “live united” and not judge others no matter who they are.
He was recently chosen as one of the runner-up winners of the Central Minnesota United Way “Live United” essay contest and was recognized Dec. 7 at the school for his accomplishment.
Kennedy Assistant Principal Anna Willhite said to enter the contest fifth-grade students throughout Central Minnesota wrote essays about how they live united each day.
This is the essay Morcomb wrote:
The way I live united is by being friends with others no matter who they are.
The way I live united is by not judging others.
Every person in the world is different and unique and they should not be treated differently because of that.
I have a lot of friends and family who are different than me.
We all enjoy the same activities regardless of our race, religion, gender or beliefs.
When I play games, I let others join my game.
I think everyone should be treated fairly and given respect.
We live in the United States, and we should all live united.
United we stand, divided we fall.
“It was a joy to see Gage win this writing contest,” Willhite said. “He strives each day to do what is right and help our community live united.”
The contest required participants to incorporate the “Live United” theme, include no more than 100 words in the essay, be in fifth grade and live within the United Way of Central Minnesota service area. Essays needed to be submitted by Nov. 17.
As a runner-up winner, Morcomb received a $75 VISA gift card and was presented a certificate from United Way representatives. The first-place winner received a $200 VISA gift card.
For additional information about the Central Minnesota United Way, visit the unitewayhelps.org website.