“The Value of a Single Human Life”
The 11-12th grade submitters who received Honorable Mention awards (and gave permission for their essays to be published) are:
* Timothy,
* Madeline Gawlick, and
* Abigail Bedore
“Pro-Life Essay”
Timothy
Middlebury, VT
My mom is profoundly special to me. She helps answer my challenging questions, encourages me when I am feeling frustrated, and motivates me to grow in all areas of my life. I feel comfortable talking to her about the things that are on my heart because I know that she will listen, understand, and answer wisely. She tells me to do what’s best for me even when I think it is difficult or uncomfortable. I do not enjoy this at the moment, but when I look back, I often see that she had my best interests in mind. I cannot thank her enough for all that she does for me.
Unfortunately, my mom has a very complicated set of chronic health challenges, which frequently affect basic functions such as walking, talking, and thinking clearly. One of the biggest reasons that her health condition is so challenging is because it is unpredictable. She may be fully functional and energetic one minute, and be unable to talk or walk minutes later. Due to her health, she cannot consistently do many of the activities that most moms do, such as cleaning, cooking, and driving. She has spent many thousands of dollars over the course of her life going to doctors to try to figure out how to manage her health, which has sometimes been very helpful, and sometimes not at all.
Many people who don’t know my mom might consider her to be a less useful member of society. After all, she cannot help around the house as much, my dad and I have to help her everyday to meet her basic needs, and she often has to ask other people to come over to help when no one in our family is available. She cannot contribute to the community in ways that many people typically do. Despite all this, she is infinitely valuable to me, our family, and the people around us. In fact, I believe that her struggles have given her a very unique perspective on life. She knows what it is like to be constantly disappointed and frustrated, to feel unhelpful and invaluable, and to feel totally misunderstood by everyone. As a result, she has been able to help me and many others when they are going through hard times. She is someone that people can trust to listen and to have sound guidance.
I am immeasurably grateful that she was born. Obviously, I would not be writing this essay if she had not been born, but without her, the people around her would not have the amazing family member and friend that she is. It is a shame that there are many people who would not have gone through with birth if they had known that their child would have similar health challenges as my mom has. Each unborn person is a unique individual created by God who ought to have the chance to live. No one knows how that person might impact those around them.
“The Value of a Single Human Life: Mrs. Hamilton”
Madeline Gawlick, grade 11
Windsor, VT
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
One of the best women I know is my teacher, Mrs. Annie Hamilton. She has always been a shining example of what it truly means to live out life as a Catholic. In the last two years that I’ve known Mrs. Hamilton, she has constantly expressed her generosity and taught me so much beyond the classroom through her example. She has taught me what it really means to express the Catholic faith through works of service and outward prayer.
In this modern world, it’s common for most girls to aspire to be chemists or lawyers, with motherhood not looked at as a real future. However, it has become apparent to me just how wrong that view is. It truly admirable to give yourself fully to your children, or child in her case.
As an adoptee myself, I think it’s lovely that the Hamilton’s want to expand their family through adoption in the future. Her life has so much impact on her community and her students.
Mrs. Hamilton is undoubtedly one of my strictest teachers for my hardest class, Catholic Morality, but I have also learnt the most from her. She challenges all of her students to do their best work, and pushes us to write professional 5 page essays. She expects the most of every one of her students, because she believes that we can rise to the occasion.
We, as Catholics, are supposed to express our faith through our works of charity and mercy. The virtue of charity can be expressed in many different ways, as I learned when I volunteered with Mrs. Hamilton at the local soup kitchen. I’ve also learned how you can live out the virtue of service through prayer.
Mrs. Hamilton showed me this first when I prayed outside a Planned Parenthood for the first time, and again on the 2024 March for Life in Washington D.C., which she went on several months pregnant.
In conclusion, I am so grateful that Mrs. Hamilton was born.
“The Value of a Single Human Life”
Abigail Bedore, grade 12
Fairfax, VT
St. Luke Catholic Church
Many people believe that the only way to make a difference is through intentional actions. However, as I have learned through many people in my life, leading by example is one of the strongest ways to positively impact others. This is the definition of my cousin Chistopher.
For several years now, Chris has been dealing with chronic Lyme Disease and other chronic health issues. Most days he is bedridden and feels unwell. Nevertheless, he has continued to search for answers and has stayed strong in the process. When medications and treatments don’t work, he never gives up. Additionally, he has continued to stay thankful, hopeful, and prayerful along the way. These are characteristics of Chris that I admire and have applied to my own life.
As both a high school student and an athlete, I find the importance of hard work and determination each and every day. Whether I am studying for a test or training for a competition, I always try to do the best I can in every aspect. What Chris has taught me is that even on the bad days, continue to push through and never lose hope. Chris is so much stronger than I will ever be. Running and taking an AP class is hard, but dealing with chronic illnesses and not finding the answers you need is harder. One of the things that I have come to appreciate about Chris is the fact that even on the days that might feel hopeless, he doesn’t lose hope. Especially in today’s day and age, people are quick to give up; they aren’t patient and don’t trust God’s plan. Chris however, is not one of those people. This is something that I admire and have used in my life.
Because of Chris, I have learned to trust the process even when things don’t go as planned. I have also learned that no matter what, hold onto your faith because that is what is going to keep you going.
As an individual who doesn’t have health issues, I often find myself taking things for granted. I view the ability to get up in the morning and go to school and sports just part of my routine. Chris however, doesn’t take anything for granted. When he is able to get up and go for a walk or even just talk with family members when they visit, he is extremely thankful. This is something that I have learned to appreciate.
I am glad Chris was born because he has been able to teach me important life lessons. Although I wish that Chris never had to go through any of this, it is his hard work, determination, and thankfulness that has allowed me to improve as a sibling, classmate, fellow athlete, and friend. “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” (unknown).
