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November 2021

The Spirit of Gratitude
 
“My fellow Americans, let us keep this Thanksgiving Day sacred. Let us thank God for the bounty and goodness of our nation. And as a measure of our gratitude, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this: the land of the free and the home of the brave."  -Ronald Reagan

"I was recently helping deliver welcome kits to a couple of Afghan refugee families and in hearing their experiences was again struck with the blessings of living in this country, to wake up everyday feeling safe, to have the ability to get an education, to have endless and varied job opportunities, to be free to practice my religious beliefs, to be able to vote and have a part in choosing how our land is governed. The list could go on! How grateful I am for this beautiful and blessed country!"
-Emily Matthews, President 

"I am very grateful for the freedoms and privileges I am granted as an American citizen, all thanks to those who have served our country."
-Ally Wright, Student Director 
"I am grateful for the freedom of speech and religion that I enjoy in this country."
-Julia Westover, Student Director
The Gift, and Science, of Gratitude 

Our upcoming holidays are chalked full of clichés about gratitude, however a sincere commitment to gratitude brings a myriad of benefits, both mentally and physically.

By: Sam Hendrickson, Editor 


Perhaps no practice has been as widely preached as much as gratitude. Taught from the Bible to Buddha, from Aesop to Confucius, gratitude has been encouraged time and time again. We have all probably been told by our parents, more than we would like to admit, to be grateful for what we have. They are not wrong. Gratitude changes your brain and your body towards a more happy and fulfilling life. However, in order for gratitude to be effective, it must be genuine and it must be consistent. Common and effective methods of gratitude maintenance include: gratitude journaling, finding the positive in the negative, and writing letters to those we are grateful for (sending them is optional). Gratitude lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, reduces inflammation, and lowers blood pressure. Gratitude is known for assisting relief for anxiety and depression. When we experience something positive, exciting, or rewarding our brains reward us through surges in chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, making us feel happier and more connected to others. These chemicals are designed to make us seek the experiences that give us these rushes, and the experiences that trigger these rushes are not always good. When we practice meaningful gratitude, it allows us to re-experience the good things that give us these rushes and create healthier patterns within our brain chemistry and behavior. Gratitude can act as a key to navigating a plentiful yet equally distracting world. As we enter a holiday season so focused on gratitude in word it is within ourselves to focus on gratitude in soul.

"I am grateful for my neighbors and all they have done to help my family in the past year. I am also grateful for the Mayflower Compact as it started the United States of America with the right values and priorities."
-Isabella Bruggemann, Student Director 

"I am most grateful for the opportunity to be closer to my wonderful family. They have always shaped my values and encouraged me to do whatever I felt would bring me the most satisfaction. Through my various legal and legislative positions, I am able to help others. I consider it a privilege to have these positions and feel most satisfied when I am paying it forward using my skills. My career in teaching is also a way to help the next generation understand and appreciate their rights and responsibilities as citizens through teaching critical thinking. I firmly believe that it is an honor to be able to help pass the torch of liberty to the next generation as I have been taught. This extends the long line of protectors of liberty from the Founders. I am grateful to be able to pass along this legacy. "
-Peter Gemellaro, Director

"I am grateful for my family, friends, and football! I am especially grateful for our country and all the freedoms we have access to. I’m grateful for the freedom of religion and the many backgrounds and perspectives our country has."
-Lilly Caldwell, Student Director 
On Gratitude for Our Nation 

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -President John F. Kennedy 
 

By: Bella Benson, Editor 


      In a letter back home, John Adams wrote, “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” 
      Our Founding Fathers suffered immensely in order to institute a nation where we can be free. I think of George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge, or the many families who did without basic needs during the war. They did it because freedom to them was more important than their comfort. It is not just those in the American Revolution who deserve our thanks. There are many from each century and from many nations who have shaped our legacy. The need to have gratitude for our forefathers and those protecting what they created is paramount. 
      The first kindling of gratitude for my country came while I lived overseas as a young girl. One distinct memory stands out in my mind. It is when we lived in the country of Mongolia. One year, on July 4th, we attended the American Embassy's Independence Day Celebration. I remember the red, white, and blue decorations that adorned the embassy walls. I remember the American flags and the good food. Most of all, I remember the way I felt while at the celebration of our freedom. It was one of the first sparks that kindled my gratitude for the privilege of being an American. 
      Throughout my time overseas I did not learn American history in school. My mother took time out of her busy schedule to tutor us children in the principles and stories she believed were vital to our upbringing. She taught us about the Declaration of Independence and the Pilgrims. My mother deemed it important that the ideas of our founding fathers be ingrained in us. Because of her mentoring, the American flag became a emblem of freedom to me. I have become increasingly grateful to be a part of the American legacy, and more eager to encourage others to be a part of it too. 
        Terri Guillemets said, “My favorite thing about the United States? Lots of Americans. One America.” How lucky are we to have such a great nation? One where we can join together in one vision. I believe that is what the founding fathers intended for us. They suffered so that all of us can enjoy what we have today. It is our turn to be grateful for them and for what we have now. 
       Mongolia, where I had been, is a post-Communist country. The effects of communism are evident throughout the lives of the Mongolians. Many are poor and wish they could have what we have here in the United States. 
       Mongolia, and Asia in general, will forever be my second home and an intricate part of my life, however, the gratitude I feel for being an American is stronger still.  
       We are so blessed to be free. Let us do as John Adams said and “make good use of it.” I would also add “show gratitude for it.”
       This Thanksgiving, let us remember those who suffered for what we have today. Let gratitude become the pillar upon which our patriotism stands. 

"This year, I am grateful for my wonderful family and the blessing they have been to me. My wife and two children have been a source of both strength and joy for me this year, and I am thankful for them. Moreover, we have a wonderful heritage as a country, and I am grateful for the true and good principles that our country was founded upon. There have been many brave individuals—such as James Madison, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr., amongst many others—who have stood up for our principles, defended them, and perpetuated them for all Americans to enjoy today. I am grateful for them as well, as we can find much to emulate in their examples."
-Andrew Carico, Vice-President
"This year I am very grateful for my family. Especially during the pandemic, my family and I went through a lot, and getting through this year was not easy. Without my parents and sister, I don't know where I would be today. I cherish every day spending more time with them. I hope to have a healthy, safe, and great year!"
-Justin Hwang, Student Director 

"This year I am truly grateful for the freedoms that I have! One freedom in particular is the freedom of religion. My religion is such a big part of who I am and I am grateful that I live in a country that allows to worship as I choose! Happy Thanksgiving!"
-Kathryn Smith, Student Director

Upcoming Events 

Dec. 1 – SOA Applications are due
After over a year of closure due to COVID-19 the Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation campus has re-opened. The Sacramento Chapter will be attending in March/April 2022. The exciting weekend will include events such as: the Mock Congressional Debate, a rough simulation of Congress through the debate of a current events based bill. In the Free Enterprise Challenge, students will explore the world of entrepreneurship and free markets. Participants will also be involved in the Leadership Workshop, in which students will learn about the Five Pillars of community service through the study of Medal of Honor recipients.They will be challenged to create their own service projects based off of these principles. To top off these exciting events, students will visit historic Philadelphia and Valley Forge to gain a live perspective on history. To find out more check out our website. To apply for this trip, click on the link below: 
SOA Application

Dec. 15  Deadline for Contest Essays  The annual essay contest serves as the gateway to many incredible opportunities with the Freedoms Foundation. As well as being a requirement to participate in the Spirit of America trip, the essay is a key element in earning Freedoms Foundations scholarships. The top three winners of each age group will receive a cash prize. Essays are due December 15th, essays submitted for the SOA applications are due December 1st.  Learn more at our website: Essay Contest

Feb. 26 – Awards Banquet
In order to honor the contributions of all those involved with Sacramento Freedoms Foundation over the past year, an awards banquet will be held on February 26th. Such awards as the Local Hero Award will be presented alongside awards to the essay contest among other awards. Entertainment and catering will be provided.

Mar. – Mock Article V Convention
The Mock Article V Convention is a rising star of the chapter as it returns for a second time. Simulating a Constitutional convention, students will present their ideas for amending the Constitution as detailed in Article V of the Constitution. Schools will assemble teams to brainstorm new amendments. Students will vote on each amendment as a team and individually to simulate the ratification of an amendment under an Article V situation. The event will be held on a Saturday in the latter half of March from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Learn more at our website: 
Mock Article V Convention  

Introducing Our New Board Members!
 
Andrew Carico 

Vice-President 

Dr. Andrew D. Carico serves as the Headmaster of John Adams Academy – El Dorado Hills campus.  Previously he was Associate Professor and chair of both the Public Policy and the Division of Humanities at William Jessup University. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from Claremont Graduate University, and his doctoral work was in the area of presidential rhetoric, with an emphasis on the constitutional rhetoric of the Obama presidency. More broadly, his research and teaching interests lie in the fields of American politics, constitutional law, and political philosophy.

Dr. Carico has written for The Public Discourse and Starting Points Journal, and he has presented original research at multiple academic conferences. He is also currently working on a book project analyzing the origins and meaning of the presidential oath. He hopes to inspire his students to understand the importance of political engagement and to cultivate civic virtue. Dr. Carico’s wife, Allie, is a school administrator, and they have two children.

Peter Gemellaro 
Director 
 
Peter Gemellaro is proud to be one of the most recent Freedoms Foundation Board Members. He permanently relocated to Northern California from New York to be closer to his large extended family. He has been teaching in the field of criminal justice as an online Instructor at Hudson Valley Community College, an affiliate of the State University of New York (SUNY) for the past 13 years. Prior to teaching, he worked in various positions in government including an Assistant District Attorney, Administrative Law Judge, Legislative Counsel for New York Governor George Pataki’s Office of Federal Affairs and as a Legislative Assistant for a Member of Congress and New York State Senator. He has a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Political Communications from SUNY and a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University. He also proudly serves as a Board Member for the Placer County Veterans Stand Down and is an active member of various civic organizations in Roseville where he resides.
Isabella Benson
Student Director
Newsletter

 
Isabella Benson is a senior at John Adams Academy and is one of the editors for the Sacramento Freedoms Foundation Newsletter. Bella has enjoyed being involved with the National Honor Society, Student Government, various leadership roles at church, and the Advanced Vocal Ensemble at her school. She loves history and traveling! She loves this nation and doing what she can to help others learn about it. 
Isabella Bruggemann
Student Director
Appreciation Dinner / Awards Program
Community Outreach / Membership

 
Isabella Bruggemann is in twelfth grade at John Adams Academy. She participates in choir, voice, cello, and piano. Her responsibilities to the board include being on the committee for 'Ways and Means' and on the committee responsible for planning awards events. Isabella hopes to attend college for biology or chemistry and hopes to study at the University of California in Irvine. 
Lillian Caldwell
Student Director 
Appreciation Dinner / Awards Program

 
Lilly Caldwell is a senior at Western Sierra Collegiate Academy. As a student director she helps to plan events such as the appreciation dinners and banquets. She loved her experience on the SOA trip her junior year and wanted to continue her involvement in Freedoms Foundation! She is a sports medicine athletic trainer, dance captain in show choir, and co-president of a dance company called Upstage Productions.
Taitum Carter 
Student Director 
SOA Program 

Taitum Carter is a senior at Del Oro High School and helps wit the SOA Program for the Freedoms Foundation. She has enjoyed the many hours of her life spent at a dance studio, working with her competitive company, the Leighton Dance Project. When she’s not at dance, you can find her at school, heavily involved in leadership, student government, and working to bring more spirit into her not-so-spirited class. In the very little free time she has, she likes spending as much time in the water (beach, lake, river, pond, any body of water really) as possible. She’s strictly training right now in hopes of dancing as a cougarette for BYU.
Michelle Esse 
Student Director
 Community Outreach / Membership
Samuel Hendrickson 
Student Director
Constitutional Scholarship/Newsletter
 
 Sam homeschools and does on site classes with the Love of Learning Center. Sam serves the student board as a member of the Constitutional Education committee and the Newsletter committee. He also serves as the president of the Love of Learning Center Freedoms Foundation Service Club and enjoys TA-ing classes at the center such as American Civics and English History. Sam is interested in going into any career that would allow him to explore the world. This year he is incredibly grateful for the many opportunities for growth that have been sent his way and for the freedoms he has to plot his own course.
Justin Hwang 
Student Director 
Publicity/Advertising 
 
Justin Hwang is a senior at Rocklin High School and works in Publicity/Advertising for the Freedoms Foundation. He is involved in multiple clubs offered at his school and plans to study business in college. Justin is passionate about business and currently is an intern for Silicon Valley Tech Source. He is currently on the tennis team and helps teach children how to play tennis. He currently runs a business where he practices Ecommerce. 
Pari Pandya
Student Director
Essay Contest/Website Maintenance 
 
Pari Pandya is a senior at Western Sierra Collegiate Academy and is involved with the Essay Contest/Website Maintenance for the Sacramento Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation. Pari is actively part of the medical field, and aspires to be a future anesthesiologist. She is currently interning at Kaiser Permanente. Pari is also passionate about community improvement. She co-founded AYLA, a national organization, which aims to empower AAPI youth.

Kathryn Smith
Service Clubs/Student Council 

Kathryn Smith is senior at Granite Bay High School. Her responsibility on the board is being a Student Council Member. She also is the president of the Freedoms Foundation Service Club at her school. She has been on the Varsity Tennis Team at her school every year and loves it. She has played tennis for about 8 years. One of her goals is to start teaching lessons to younger kids and show them how fun the sport is. 

Julia Westover 
Student Director 
 
Julia Westover is a senior at Lincoln High School. She is currently organizing a Freedoms Foundation Club there. Her goal throughout high school is to grow and learn so that someday she will be able to apply new skills to her future career. 
Ally Wright
Student Director 
Service Clubs/Student Council
 
Ally is a senior at Whitney High School and a student council leader for the Freedoms Foundation Sacramento Chapter. She is involved as a team captain for Whitney High's Varsity Women's water polo team. She is also a Spirit Commissioner for leadership, and an executive producer and staff leader for their broadcasting program.

 
*The image used in "The Gift, and Science, of Gratitude" courtesy of Alamy Images
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This newsletter was made with the help and participation of the current directors on the Freedoms Foundation Sacramento Chapter Board. 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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