WNA recognizes student voices through Civics Games

 

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) Foundation announced the winners of the inaugural Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest July 1, during a virtual awards ceremony.

Launched during Sunshine Week – a continuation effort by the WNA foundation to increase civic education and engagement while in-person events were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic – students were asked to convey their opinion about an issue related to the First Amendment, through editorial writing or an editorial cartoon.

From the contest, 13 students received a cash award, a certifi cate and the opportunity to be published by newspapers across the state.

Winning first place in the high school editorial writing contest, is Joshua Cao, Indian Trail High School and Academy; winning second place is Charles Loeffler, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School; and winning third place is Tessa Tolomeo, Cedarburg High School.

Winning first place in the middle school editorial writing contest, is Lana Centeno, Wittenberg home-schooled student; winning second place is Jonah Bratcher, Loyal Junior High School; winning third place are Addison Palmer and Eve Brandt, Bristol School.

Winning first place in the high school editorial cartoon contest, is Annmarie Morrison, La Farge High School; winning second place is Marisol Ramirez, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School; winning third pace is Charles Loeffler, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School; and winning honorable mention is Elijah Ashley-Youngblood, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

Winning first place in the middle school editorial cartoon contest, is Evelyn Loeffler, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Middle School; and winning honorable mention is Sophia Cetera, Bristol School.

Use First Amendment to bridge partisan divide

Freedom is intrinsically woven into the ideals of our nation and our Constitution. From the elementary level, we are schooled on our country being “the land of the free,” and no other amendment protects our freedoms as much as the First Amendment.

The freedom of speech allows us to engage in discussions that can foster new ideas and healthy conversations. However, with this freedom comes a price; harsh rhetoric now permeates the media, and increasing hyperpartisanship and unwillingness to listen creates a chasm that divides our nation.

With a few exceptions like slander and libel, the First Amendment lets us speak our thoughts without fear of government retaliation. Yet, as the world becomes ever more interconnected in the digital era, we’ve also learned how to push others away. We stay in bubbles of agreement and bathe in pools of concurrence, casting away those who don’t conform.

Rather than use the opportunity to speak with each other, we only truly listen to those that reinforce our own beliefs.

We tune into news outlets that align with our political ideology and isolate ourselves in friend groups that are scared to engage in conversations about controversial topics. The opportunity to engage in civil discourse and have a meaningful discussion slips through our grasp.

Rather than be used to divide, the First Amendment can be used as a way to build a bridge to connect both sides of the aisle. It’s OK to have steadfast beliefs on issues, but we all must be willing to listen with open ears.

One day, my government teacher told me that I would be the Republican presidential candidate in my class’ mock presidential debate. After being given the debate questions, I realized that I would have to advocate for stricter immigration laws, something I strongly disagreed with as the son of immigrants.

Despite my personal beliefs, the debate was exhilarating, because I was able to have a meaningful argument that debated ideas, rather than attacked people. Through the exercise, I was better able to understand the Republican and Democrat ideology, which in turn, allowed me to reflect on my own beliefs and strengthen my own convictions. To me, argument is a discussion and discussion is at the heart of understanding.

It’s been an especially contentious year, with the pandemic and the election, but we must unify, rather than be segregated into groups of Democrats and Republicans. The harsh rhetoric of today, erodes the soil on both sides, making the chasm grow ever wider. However, the optimist in me knows that there’s a way to bridge the divide.

We can move closer to each other through our constitutionally mandated rights. The First Amendment enables us to speak our beliefs, express our dislikes and most importantly, truly talk to each other.

Can you imagine life without the First Amendment?

Dear Editor, Can you imagine life without the First Amendment? If I were not allowed to speak about my beliefs, then I would not be writing this letter.

Freedom of speech is essential; without it, even some of the simplest things would be restricted. Imagine a book club has a party and orders an almond cake. Two of the members are deathly allergic to almonds, but a member points the detail out. If the member had not been allowed to speak, then later, a much bigger dilemma would have affected the book club.

Of course, there are negative aspects to having freedom of speech. One of its downsides, is that freedom of speech can allow people to say very hurtful words about others. Then again, with freedom of expression, you have the opportunity to call out such people.

The First Amendment allows more than just voicing opinions. Freedom of the press is included, allowing important news to reach the population. It also includes the freedom to assemble and freedom of religion.

I’ve shared several examples of why the First Amendment is vital. For this, and many more reasons, I am thankful for the First Amendment.

Sincerely, Lana Centeno

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="241"] By Evelyn Loeffler, first place[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="241"] By Marisol Ramirez, second place[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="241"] By Sophia Cetera, honorable mention[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="241"] By Charles Loeffler, third place[/caption]