Bonita Students Show It Pays to Know the U.S. Constitution

That piece of paper Madison Zylstra is holding is worth $2,550, the total amount the Bonita High School junior collected in cash and scholarships for winning the American Legion's statewide essay competition.

It pays to know the Constitution of the United States and to do those extra-credit class assignments when the teacher offers them.

Bonita High School students Madison Zylstra and Hannah King used their knowledge of the people’s document adopted Sept. 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pa., to write award-winning essays in a statewide competition sponsored by the American Legion. Their efforts were recognized by the La Verne City, August 17.

Madison, an incoming junior at Bonita, received a $500 check and $2,000 scholarship for winning the statewide Americanism Essay award for her essay on “Why Our Constitution is Important.” Hanna, an incoming sophomore at Bonita High School, won $200 for her essay on “What Are the Rights We Enjoy as Americans?”

Madison never expected what started out as an extra-credit class assignment in her sophomore English class to be a big-money winner. The Glendora American Legion Post awarded her $10 and submitted her essay to the District, which awarded her $40. Then a letter came in the mail informing Madison she had won the state competition, which included $500 and a $2,000 scholarship toward the college of her choice.

“When we heard they were submitting it to the whole state, we’re like ‘There’s no way,’” said Maxine Zylstra, Madison’s mom.

The essay obviously struck a chord with the American Legion judges.
 
In part, Madison wrote: “The United States Constitution was written by delegates from 13 states who had diverse backgrounds, prejudices, and interests. Gathered together, these men faced the task of uniting themselves and the states they represented ‘to form a more perfect union.’ These men were conscious of their place in history and with pure motives committed themselves to establishing a constitutional government that Abraham Lincoln described as ‘of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ At the time, no other document of its kind had ever been written. It has become the most important export of the United States with many other countries in the world using it as a model for their own constitutions.

In closing, Madison noted the U.S. Constitution still inspires citizens to practice their civic virtue and to put country ahead of self. Over the summer, Madison attended a girls’ camp in Catalina and participated in a “Virtue Hike,” honoring the flag and the country that stands behind Old Glory’s stars and bars.

Living up to the ideals and moralistic laws of the U.S. Constitution can, of course, take on many forms, including the simple choices students make at school each day.
 
So how do today’s kids leave a virtuous life in La Verne?

“The TV you watch, the music you listen to, and who you hang out are all important factors,” Madison said outside the council chambers. “Who you hang out with is a big part of who you are.”

After reading their essays, there was no doubt in the minds of the American Legion judges that they know exactly what kind of people and young patriots Madison and Hannah are.

La Verne Mayor Don Kendrick honors Hannah King.