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 January 2022
Scholarship and It's Role in Preserving Freedom

By: Bella Benson, Editor

 

"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom"
-John Adams 


Scholarship is a fascinating word. Nowadays it is often referred to as a grant or sum of money given to a student in exchange for academic excellence. Along with the monetary definition, scholarship can also mean the “academic study or achievement; learning of a high level”*. To be a scholar means to acquire wisdom and to love learning. Part of the Freedoms Foundation’s mission is to develop scholarship in each of the students we encounter, specifically scholarship of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and American history. The goal of the Freedoms Foundation is to inspire future generations to learn more about American heritage. But why? Why must one be concerned with the scholarship of their American heritage? 

There are many reasons to have scholarship of our American heritage, the paramount reasons being the preservation of our nation and the development of good human beings. In fact, the mission statement of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge is “We educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor acts of civic virtue, and challenge all to serve a cause greater than themselves.” Scholarship of American principles will be what preserves our nation. As Benjamin Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention, a woman approached him with the question, “What have you given us Dr. Franklin?” He replied, “ A republic Madam–if you can keep it”. In order to keep the republic intended for us, passing on the American ideals and becoming educated in them is vital. As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free”. The way we pass along freedom is through scholarship.

Along with learning about American principles, the Freedoms Foundation wants to inspire generations to stand up for our freedoms, becoming pillars of light and virtue in the process. One cannot learn about freedom without desiring others to enjoy it.  

This is the first month of the year! The new year is a time for new goals and ideas. The Freedoms Foundation offers a plethora of opportunities to be engaged in this great cause–the cause of freedom. Perhaps the next time you look over your goals for 2022, do not forget about the Freedoms Foundation and our mission. A new goal could be to volunteer at an event, sponsor a student going to Valley Forge, or to encourage students to participate in our many educational activities. Helping students develop scholarship in some of the most important principles is a noble cause. 

We hope to see you soon, helping us inspire the next generation!
 
*Google Dictionary definition of scholarship
 Triumph and Education at the Third Annual Constitution Bowl

                                                               By:Sam Hendrickson, Editor


On November 4th 2021 the Sacramento Freedoms Foundation hosted its third annual Constitution Bowl. Making a steady recovery in participation from the days of COVID, four teams of motivated students came together to test their knowledge of the United States Constitution, it’s amendments, the Declaration of Independence, and the history surrounding these documents. Out of the four teams that participated, two came from John Adams Academy-Roseville, with an additional team member from Whitney High School, one team from the Love of Learning Center- Rocklin, and one team from Lincoln High School. Love of Learning placed first, while the two John Adams Academy teams placed second and third respectively. Regardless of placing, all teams left with newfound knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution that would not have been gained otherwise.

 

 "[Before the bowl] I had only read through the constitution twice for school assignments. Since I was preparing for the Constitution Bowl I was more motivated to learn from it. What I learned was that the constitution has very specific wording. It lays out specific powers to governments, and others to people in a way that can never be confused. It is likely the most overdone document ever to exist, and that has preserved it for so long.” -Ronnie Weist, John Adams Academy Roseville.

 Although each team trained for the Constitution Bowl in different ways, they were united with one common goal: a deeper knowledge of the Constitution.

 

  "We went through the Constitution and rewrote it in our own words, defined stuff we didn't know, and I took lots of notes in my pocket constitution and marked stuff I knew was important. My poor pocket constitution is so marked up and creased from all my note-taking and underlining!" -Melissa McKeon, Love of Learning Center-Rocklin.

  When describing our mission, the national Freedoms Foundation web page reads: At Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, we “create and build an understanding of the spirit and philosophy of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.” Perhaps no event perpetuates this mission more than the Constitution Bowl, an event that encourages students to study the Constitution, its words, and its history more in depth than most highschool classes will go, and emerge with a greater understanding of our founding documents.

 
 "My view of the Constitution has really matured while studying it, and also American history."-Ethan Fife, John Adams Academy-Roseville.

 Albert Einstein once brilliantly stated, "If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” As one who was personally involved in the execution of the Constitution Bowl, as well as the training of some of the students, I can personally say that each team showed a promising knowledge and aptitude for the Constitution that will stay with them far into the future. Each team was able to precisely answer questions on the Constitution many would consider difficult within a matter of seconds. After the Constitution Bowl, a questionnaire was sent out to its participants. Most of the responses involved an appreciation of the community that was found through the Freedoms Foundation Event, and all of them came back with responses of newfound enthusiasm for the Constitution. What can be found in these responses is a blossoming community of youth ready to advance Freedoms Foundations goal of civic and constitutional education.


See more photos of the event on Flickr! Thank you to Sean Motley for photographing our event. 
The winning team: Love of Learning Center-Rocklin, plus a few friends.
The second place team: John Adams Academy-Roseville, with their supervisor Miles Mathews
The third place team: John Adams Academy-Roseville, with their supervisor Miles Mathews
The Legacy of the Freedoms Foundation
Hear from past student directors on how the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge has changed them! 
Claire Francois (Student Director 2020-2021) in Washington DC

"My experience with the Freedoms Foundation was pivotal in my transition between high school and college. The Spirit of America trip itself was an incredible educational experience but was truly only the beginning of my transformative time with the Freedoms Foundation. As a senior board member, I grew in my confidence as a young adult and began to develop real life communication skills that I will continue to grow throughout my professional career. I was treated as an adult and expected to keep pace with professionals beside me. This opportunity to give back to Freedoms Foundation was so rewarding and I continue to benefit from the skills I learned and the mentorship I was given. I was selected for the Honors Program at Benedictine College where I know attend as an Architecture major."

-Claire Francois (Student Director 2020-2021) Currently attending Benedictine College

"I first got involved in Freedom’s Foundation when I was a sophomore at Granite Bay High School. I was learning about American History in my classes and began to develop a passion for learning about the Constitution and the founding values. That year, I submitted my application essay. The prompt was “My American Dream” and I had the opportunity to write and reflect about what I dreamt for my future and how the founding values made these dreams possible. I won the George Washington Medal of Honor for my essay. This, along with the trip to Valley Forge and the chance to serve on the board as the first Sacramento chapter student representative, instilled in me a strong desire to continue my learning of the founding Fathers, Constitutional Rights, and American values. These principles have continually strengthened me throughout my education, career and personal life. I am excited to once again be involved in Freedom’s Foundation and I look forward to giving back to the organization that inspired such great things in my life. "  
-Samantha Nielsen (Past Student Director and Current Board Member) 
David Zeibert (Student Director 2020-2021) attending the 2021 SOA trip 
"As a student who has been involved with Boy Scouts, American Legion, and the Rotary Club, I can safely say that there is no group that has led me to grow more than the Freedoms Foundation. I have learned not just how to lead peers, but how to operate in a professional environment. To attend board meetings as a respected equal among adults has allowed me to build the confidence I need to navigate the professional world. With my knowledge of the Constitution and love of this country, I feel more equipped to tackle the challenging political environment of the modern era."
-David Zeibert (Student Director 2020-2021) Currently attending Stanford University
I became more involved in the Freedoms Foundation after participating in the trip to Valley Forge. I learned so much about our country, government, and leadership in the that short trip. My experience also grew my appreciation for our founding fathers and deepened my understanding of government processes. I heard the various perspectives and learned from others. The experience made me more interested in government and I was so grateful for the opportunity that I began volunteering for the Freedoms Foundation. I worked with board members and gained useful leadership skills while participating in meetings and creating the Newsletter. After graduating John Adams Academy I began studying International Relations. The knowledge and experience I gained with the Freedoms Foundation was applied on a daily basis in my political science and International Relations classes. 
-Megan Johnston (Student Director 2019-2020). Currently serving as a missionary in South America
Appreciation Dinner Re-cap 
By: Bella Benson, Editor

Once again board member Pam Fronk has worked her magic in creating a wonderful event to thank our donors. It is a privilege to gather together as those who love our nation and to continue spreading American principles throughout the community. We are forever grateful for all those who contribute to and support our mission.
Upcoming Events 

Feb. 26 – Awards Banquet
The Freedoms Foundation seeks to influence the community in three ways: Educating the community, Honoring the community, and challenging the community. Though these three principles are generally enacted separately throughout the community, the annual awards banquet is a celebration of all three. Students as well as community leaders are awarded for excellence of all kinds, brought about through education, honor, and challenge. At the banquet our community will honor local heroes with the local hero award, as well as celebrate those who have earned the national George Washington Honor Medal. The Winners of our annual Essay Contest will be celebrated, and those who have earned a place in our Spirit of America trip will be as well. Students who have accepted the challenge of education will be awarded by way of the awards for the Constitution Bowl, the Scholarship awards, and the announcement of finalists for the mock article V convention. The event will have California House District 6 Representative Kevin Kiley as the keynote speaker. Individual tickets to the event cost $60, however donations and sponsorships can be made through your purchase. One can host a hero or student for $60, which will secure one of our award winners with a ticket to the event. An $1,000 dollar donation will sponsor a table for ten at the event, and get a personal or company name in the program/ announcement. A $2,500 Event Co-Sponsor will sponsor one scholarship to the youth leadership program, as well as a table for 10, and a logo on the program and signage. All participants in our annual awards banquet, be they award recipients or sponsors are all aiding in Freedoms Foundations great advance to Educate, Honor, and Challenge the community.
Buy tickets at our website

Mar. 3-6 April. 7-10
Once again the Freedoms Foundation of Sacramento will be sending students to our national campus at Valley Forge to participate in an experience of a lifetime. Quite literally surrounded by history, one cannot avoid becoming engulfed by the resounding principles of freedom that define our nation.  Curious students from across the nation come together to connect on shared principles and civil discourse, forming bonds and wonderful memories.
 

Mar. 26 – Mock Article V Convention
As it returns for a second time, The Mock Article V Convention will simulate a convention of the states as detailed in Article V of the Constitution. Participating schools will assemble teams to propose new amendments to the Constitution and submit their amendments to be judged by experts in order to be selected to proceed in the final event on March 26th.  Students will vote on each amendment as a team and individually to simulate the ratification of an amendment under an Article V convention. The event will be held on a Saturday, March 26th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Learn more at our website: 
Mock Article V Convention  

 

Big News: Introducing a New Scholarship!
 
The Sacramento Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for local students! Instead of a cash prize for the first, second, and third place teams in the Mock Article V Convention, students will receive scholarships as prizes. These scholarship prizes will go towards the university of their choice. 
1st place: $750 to each student 
2nd place: $500 to each student 
3rd place: $250 to each student
Education is the focus of the Freedoms Foundation and we are so excited to continue our role in supporting students in their future learning! 
Introducing Our Newest Board Member: Samantha Nielsen!
 
We are so excited to welcome Samantha Nielsen as our newest board member! She was born in Sacramento, raised in Granite Bay, and attended Granite Bay High School. She grew up competing in gymnastics, dance, and tumbling. She attended Brigham Young University majoring in Information Systems and minoring in Communications. She speaks fluent Portuguese from her service as a missionary in Brazil and still uses Portuguese in her work as Account Executive for Lucid Software. She has been in the software industry for five years, and has had the opportunity to learn and grow throughout her career in tech. 
Stay Connected with us! 

Instagram: @freedomsfoundationsac

Facebook: Freedoms Foundation Sacramento, CA Chapter

 

 
Please support our programs!
Donate Now
This newsletter was made with the help and participation of the past student directors, our newest board member, and the participants of our events. A special thank you to them for their submissions.
A special thank you to our readers--we look forward to publishing more for you! 
-Bella Benson & Sam Hendrickson 
Chief Editors 
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To learn more about Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, visit our website:  https://www.freedomsfoundation.org/california/sacramento-area-chapter/

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Sacramento Chapter of Freedoms Foundation · 4120 Douglas Blvd, Suite 306-130 · Granite Bay, Ca 95746 · USA

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