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Celebrating America’s birthday with writing
STARS & STANZAS Liam Beebe, a sixth grader at Annunciation Orthodox School, was one of 25 first-prize winners of the America250 writing contest. He answered the question “What does America mean to you?” with a poem about Houston.
Writing has always been one of my favorite activities. I enjoy realistic fiction the most, and I also love poems. This spring, I entered a writing contest sponsored by America250, the official national organization charged by Congress with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. In response to “What does America mean to you?” I wrote a poem called “Endless Cities, Endless Nature” about my experience growing up in Houston, its diverse culture, and the natural environments of our vibrant city.
I entered this contest because I love Houston, and the prize – a trip to an iconic U.S. landmark of my choice – was appealing. I knew there was a slim chance that I would win, but I gave it a try.
Imagine my surprise when the news came out that I was one of the first-prize winners! Seeing my writing published made me happy and gave me a sense of recognition. The announcement said that thousands of responses were submitted nationwide. In my age group, there were 25 awardees, and I was the only one from Houston. In addition to a trip, I received a Congressional Certificate of Recognition from Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.
I chose to visit Mt. Rushmore in July. It is a magnificent monument honoring our nation’s great presidents. The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I visited places most visitors do not get to see, such as the Sculptors’ Studio, which houses the monument’s original draft and the tools the sculptors used. I also got to try ice cream made with Thomas Jefferson’s recipe – it was yummy! It was an incredible trip. I look forward to celebrating America’s 250th birthday next year!
Endless Cities, Endless Nature
Hearing cars honking / sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, / smelling delicious tacos and crawfish / seeing the diversity of Houston, / experiencing dozens of cultures firsthand
all the way to
Hearing cardinals singing / running through the serenity of Sam Houston National forest / smelling the wild bluebonnets / watching the rolling meadows next to the I-10, / feeling carefree, limitless, grateful
Endless cities to endless nature / that’s what America means to me.
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