“The Value of a Single Human Life”
The 6-8th grade submitters who received Honorable Mention awards (and gave permission for their essays to be published) are:
* Claudia Babic,
* Michaela Scheumann,
* Liam Arthur Knott, and
* Christina Mary Pia Hochschild
“The Value of a Single Human Life: Croatia, 1952”
Claudia Babic, grade 6
Bennington, VT
Regina Sanctorum Homeschool Coop
My Nona was never born.
Her mother, Josipa, was never married. She could have had the child, perhaps naming her something pretty, like Erlinda, but she didn’t because she thought it would be too difficult.
She had no friends in the city, and the man she had been with had another family besides. He ran away from Josipa to faraway France in the year 1952. The heartbroken young woman was left with no husband, no money, no children, and was in a large city all alone. She never married and was unhappy for the rest of her life.
Josipa’s sister, Amalija, lived on the poor peasant family farm in the countryside, working in the hot, sun-baked fields, keeping the ramshackle cottage in order and taking care of her elderly mother, for all of her siblings had moved away. She had even less money than her sister, and she died an early death in the fields because she had no young niece to help her with the chores.
New York City, 1970
Later, in New York City, in the United States of America, a young man named Bruno stood alone at a Croatian community dance. No blue-eyed Croatian girl was there to dance with him.
He went on to become a soccer coach at the local Catholic school, but he never married and had a family. At the church rectory, the priests had no secretary to help them, and many elderly people became lonely because there was no one to visit them.
Fifteen years later, Bruno fell upon hard times when he lost his job. He had to work odd jobs for the next three years, and he had no wife to help him or two young boys to cheer him up in the stressful times. One of these sons, who might have been my father, was never born.
The woman who might have been my mother moved to California because he wasn’t there to stop her.
My cousins don’t exist, my sister doesn’t exist, my brother doesn’t exist.
I do not exist.
Vermont, 2024
A warm, sweet smell fills the room with its familiar scent – crepes. I hear a kind voice calling my name. I open my eyes. “Claudia, pupica,” she says, “palačinke are ready!” I rush downstairs.
It was all a dream! Nona does exist! I smile as the sun pours through the window. My Nona is not famous or well known, but she changes everyone’s life, especially mine, in a wonderful way and I am so grateful that she was born.
“Grandma Molly: The Gift of an Old Widow”
Michaela Scheumann, grade 6
Ludlow, VT
Homeschool
Grandma Molly is an elderly lady who has been part of our church for many years. I have known her since we came to our church seven years ago. She was the missionary secretary at our church for quite some time and was also in charge of the nursery ministry. For many years, she had been praying for children to come to our church. When our family came, and then others families joined soon after, she was so very happy. The reason why me and my siblings call her ‘Grandma Molly’ is because she is loving and caring to us like a grandma. She was married to ‘Doctor Joe’ for over 50 years, and has two grown daughters and two grandchildren also in our church.
There are many things I really appreciate about Grandma Molly. For example, whenever it is Christmas or a birthday, she always gives us a gift. When it is Valentine’s Day or Halloween, she gives us a card with a note of how she loves us. It is really a blessing to think that she takes the time to give us a gift. She is also very kind and encouraging. For example, when I recently crotched a tiger stuffed animal, she was very supportive and told me what a great job I did.
These past few years have been very tough for Grandma Molly. Almost two years ago, Grandpa Joe became very sick with a brain tumor. I remember visiting him with our family and singing hymns to him and Grandma Molly. Not long afterward, Grandpa Joe passed away. His death has been very tough for Grandma Molly as they both really loved one another. Several months later, she was diagnosed with dementia. Communicating has become more of a challenge, and she has had difficulty remembering things. But even through the hard times, she has still trusted in God to help her.
While these past few years have been difficult for Grandma Molly, her life is still of great value. She has discipled younger women in the church for decades, and though her abilities are diminishing, she still encourages and helps other women and children in the church. She is a great example of giving generously and loving tenderly. Even though her body is getting weaker, her faith remains strong, and she is a woman devoted to prayer. When I get older, I want to be like Grandma Molly.
“Leading by Serving”
Liam Arthur Knott, grade 6
Middlebury, VT
Homeschool Group: Classical Conversations of Rutland Vermont
From the world’s perspective, Rob North is smart and accomplished, but this isn’t what makes him a great leader. Rob North has learned to serve others. Some politicians haven’t listened to the people. Legalizing abortion, regulating free business and repeatedly raising taxes are all examples of how Vermont’s leaders are not doing their job of serving people. In contrast, Rob North has shown himself to be the brave, persistent, servant leader that Vermont needs.
Since becoming a Christian, Rob North has valued being a servant leader. He shows this in all areas of his day-to-day life. At work, he managed a team. When he retired, he filled in as a math teacher for a local Christian school. He spent time teaching and discipling people as an Elder in his church. He serves the Gideons by handing out Bibles at fairs. Serving the Lord is priority in his home too, as evidenced by the verse Mr. North posted which reads: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Guests to his home witness him leading his family in biblical principles. Practicing being a servant leader prepared Mr. North for public service.
Because he felt called by God to run for State Representative, he bravely set out on his first campaign. His signs read “For a Balanced Vermont,” because he thinks that a congress with balanced parties makes for more discussion and better laws. Visiting all over Addison County, Mr. North convinced many people that they should change the way they vote. Although it could cost him in votes, Mr. North spoke out against abortion. Sadly, many people didn’t like his pro-life stance. Online people trashed his name and the church he attended. Even though he didn’t win, Mr. North took a stand and showed that he was brave.
Persistently Mr. North tried again a second time. He took the time to learn the problems effecting people and to come up with solutions. Mr. North shared his ideas in his newsletter and met with people at town hall meetings. During one of these meetings, he challenged his opponents to debate the issues and was able to prove the problems with their legislation. He identified problems with the Green Deal laws, which he believed are raising prices without helping anyone. Mr. North’s persistence paid off and he won his second election, earning 270 votes more than anyone else in his district!
A great leader is first a servant. He is brave and stands up for the truth. In one way or another his persistence pays off. I’m thankful Rob North was born because I have a good example in my life of a servant leader. His willingness to put others first is most important. He spends time to figure out people’s problems and finds ways to help. He is trustworthy because he answers to God first rather than listening to men. He can do this because he reflects the ultimate servant leader, Jesus Christ.
“My Grammy”
Christine Mary Pia Hochschild, grade 7
Plainfield, VT
Homeschool
It makes me so happy to think about my Grammy. If she were never born, I never would have been born! I love my Grammy so much. She lives hundreds of miles away, but her visits are so exciting!
She’s like no other Grammy. She’s so playful and fun. She acts like a super-smart kid without the bad aspects like temper tantrums, complaining about chores, and unnecessary silliness. She plays games with me and is really athletic. Sometimes we race, or make up a dance, or take long walks. She has (almost) as much energy as I do.
We have some traditions when she visits. We make muffins together and put a lot of toppings on them—usually nuts, raspberries, chocolate chips, and a lot of other yummy items. We sit down on the couch, and she reads “Tintin in Tibet.” Her voice is perfect for it.
We do a lot of things around the house. It gets kind of messy and she always says something like, “We could surprise your mom by cleaning this up.” And we (usually) do. She makes it a bit less tedious than usual.
One of the best things about her is you can tell her anything, and she makes you feel so much better. If I’m in a bad mood, or I don’t want to do a chore, or I insist there’s nothing to eat, she always says something to cheer me up. Whether it’s making a joke, or sympathizing, she always makes me happy.
I just wished she lived closer. She lives far away and only comes to visit with Grandpa once a year. I miss her so much when she isn’t here. We talk on the phone, but that’s not the same thing. Maybe someday she will move here, and we can make muffins, take walks, read “Tintin in Tibet,” and do my chores together every day. And every morning I’ll wake up knowing I will be able to spend the day with my amazing Grammy. But for now, she lives far away, and I see her once a year. It does make me happy to think about her and to look forward to her next visit. I love her, I wouldn’t be alive without her, and I am grateful to God for her.
