Sherwin T. Wine Outstanding Essay Contest 2010

The Sherwin T. Wine Outstanding Essay Contest

recognizes Oakland County high school juniors and seniors who write exemplary essays on how the Bill of Rights shapes American identity.

Over 200 essays were submitted for the 2010 award, which is generously supported by Rabbi Wine’s loved ones in his honor.

Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine was a scholar, community leader and founder of the Birmingham Temple who was inspired by winning an oratory contest as a teenager. Rabbi Wine, a strong supporter of civil liberties and human rights, was a member of the ACLU and served on the ACLU of Michigan Advisory Board for many years.

Read a blog about the 2010 Sherwin Wine Contest Reception.

2010 Sherwin T. Wine Outstanding Essay Winners

First Place: Oona Goodin-Smith
Junior at Troy-Athens High School, Troy
 
“Who would have supposed this ‘wretched refuse’ would become America’s appeal, the ones who would shape our past and dictate our future? But they have. This melting pot effect- the epitome of diversity- enriches the lives of all Americans daily. I was no exception, as it took my bland black and (mostly) white existence and painted it with the magnificent palette of the globe.” 
> Read Oona's essay in full (pdf)
 
Second Place: Charumati Ganesh
Senior at West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield
 
“I do not consider myself American because of the American citizenship I hold. I consider myself an American because of the experiences I have had in this country, and the attachment I have for the United States…The rights guaranteed to Americans by the Bill of Rights have enabled my family to maintain connection to our Indian roots and Hindu religion. In fact, not only does the United States tolerate foreign cultures, it actually encourages their practices.”
> Read Charumati's essay in full (pdf)
 
Third Place: Alexander Jones  
Senior at Stoney Creek High School, Rochester Hills
 
“My identity is found not only in the faces of my parents and grandparents, but also in the faces of my community, my America…As I have looked upon the faces of those whose ancestors have come from all ends of the earth, I realize there I strength in our differences. America has been successful because of these differences, not despite them.”
Fourth Place: Saman Qadri
Senior at Troy-Athens High School, Troy
 
“Although living in such a diverse nation is difficult and many times includes racism, I have learned to accept others for who they are. I do not anticipate that they acknowledge my diverse background, but I do expect them to respect my heritage. Islam has made me who I am today and the Bill of Rights help protect that identity.”
> Read Saman's essay in full (pdf)