American Heritage Scholarship Series

This is the eleventh year of the American Heritage Scholarship Series, which includes a public lecture and an essay competition for Stanislaus County juniors and seniors.

The American Heritage Scholarship Series seeks to increase our understanding of what it means to be an American. Unlike other nations, the essence of American nationality has little to do with our country of origin or the specifics of our religious faith. While the American spirit embraces such diversity, what unites us as a people is a shared set of principles and ideals which proclaim our freedoms and set forth our responsibilities.

This program is intended to encourage teens, and the public, to think about what makes the United States unique in the world, with a focus on the Constitution. Previous lectures have looked at the Patriot Act, the First Amendment, the separation of church and state, and the role of political parties.

This year's essay prompt is, "Reflecting on the 2012 presidential election, has the media advanced or hindered voter's ability to make an informed decision? Define what you mean by media." The presentation is slated for October 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Petersen Event Center located at 720 12th Street, Modesto.

Video of the October 9 lecture featuring guest speaker, Dr. Keith W. Smith, Professor at University of the Pacific, will be available after the lecture by clicking on the link above.

Rules and applications for the essay contest have been sent to high schools in the county and are also available online. All juniors and seniors including home-schooled students are welcome to enter.

More information is available from the Stanislaus County Office of Education, 238-1706, a lead sponsor of the event. Modesto City Schools and The Modesto Bee also are sponsors, with scholarship funding provided by local businesses, organizations and individuals.

The American Heritage Awards Ceremony is scheduled for November 20, at 7:00 pm at the Stanislaus County Office of Education Board Room at 1100 H Street in Modesto. We hope you will be able to join us for the culminating celebration of this exciting project.

2012 American Heritage Essay Honorees

Over 160 students from 18 high schools entered the American Heritage Essay competition this year. Eighteen student essays were selected to receive scholarship awards by a panel of judges.

Below are the top award winners pictured left to right: Madison Lane - Oakdale High ($1,500), Elizabeth Erwin - Oakdale High ($2,000), and Chandni Mistry - Oakdale High ($1,500)

The following students also received a scholarship or cash award at the November 20 Awards Ceremony.

School	FirstName	LastName	Award Amount
Oakdale High School	Emma	Andreini	$100
Oakdale High School	Hayley	Benson	$100
Central Valley High School	Katie	Butrica	$100
Turlock High School	Martin	Coleman	$100
Modesto Christian High School	Ethan	Cuthbertson	$100
Oakdale High School	Sara	Kim	$500
Whitmore Charter High School	Sarah	Lesan	$500
Whitmore Chater High School	Delaney	McNeill	$500
Oakdale High School	Janki	Mistry	$1,000
Oakdale High School	Chris	Ng	$500
Oakdale High School	Jonna	Pagaduan	$100
Turlock High School	Jocelyn Ann	Rodrigues	$100
Oakdale High School	Joshua	Tanis	$100
Johansen High School	Marivel	Torres	$100
Oakdale High School	Melissa	Van Dyke	$100
Modesto Christian High School	James	Warwick	$1,000

Scholarship money was donated by Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Rudd and Romo; The Cardoza Foundation; E. & J. Gallo Winery; Mr. and Mrs. James Enochs; Lou and Kenni Friedman; Curtis and Nancy Grant; Garrad Marsh; Mocse Credit Union; Charles & Catherine Quittmeyer; Petrulakis Law & Advocacy, APC; Judy Sly

Windows Media

The lecture video is available in Windows Media Format for Mac/ PC.
For more information please visit the Windows Media Player website

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