In the Spotlight: Teen Windber's Essay Wins First Place in American Legion Competition | News

WINDBER, Pa. – After Sarah Hamilton learned that this year's American Legion essay contest was about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, she considered writing about freedoms of religion or speech.

But the Windber teenager's research quickly reminded her of the broad rights guaranteed by the amendment, not only of worship and speech, but also for the press, to peacefully protest and to present petitions to the government – ​​which largely makes America the land of the free, she said.

In recent weeks, Hamilton, 17, has seen his essay take first place statewide, Windber American Legion Post 137 officials said.

She received a $3,500 scholarship and the opportunity to speak at the American Legion state convention in Harrisburg this summer.

Hamilton, the daughter of Robin Hamilton of Windber, is a home-schooled senior in her senior year.

She said she was amazed by the response to her trial at the county, district and state levels this year. She used her family's frequent trips to Shawnee State Park to illustrate how American freedoms are intertwined.

She likened it to a bald eagle that inhabits Shawnee State Park, flying over farms where milk is produced and then shipped to colleges in urban areas.

“With the First Amendment, you need the big picture — you can't just pick one freedom,” Hamilton said.

When wrongs exist, a free press raises awareness, she said. Citizens have the right to petition their elected leaders to call for change – and, if necessary, even peacefully protest to make their voices heard.

Windber American Legion Post 137 sponsored Hamilton in the competition after winning first place in the post's local competition.

Hamilton also took first place in American Legion oratorical entries at the county and district level.

Legion Post Cmdr. Joy Hamryszak praised Hamilton, describing her as a hard-working and extraordinary young woman.

“She is very deserving of all the accolades we can give her,” Hamryszak said.

After graduation, Hamilton plans to pursue a degree in film at Regent University, a Christian school based in Virginia.

She plans to take a year off before entering college in 2025, saying she wants to continue focusing on writing before delving into the visual side of creating stories.

She hopes to take advantage of the coming year to write several books.

“My long-term goal,” Hamilton said, “is to make films that change the world through the power of Christ and love of country.”