Whiz Kid: Adams Sophomore Jacqueline Markey Wins Nationwide Essay Contest

Each week, the Whiz Kid column spotlights an accomplishment of a student or student group. This week's Whiz Kid, sophomore Jacqueline Markey, recently beat thousands of students for a top spot in this year's Being an American Essay Contest through the Bill of Rights Institute.

Jacqueline Markey

School: Rochester Adams High School

Accomplishment: In the Great Lakes Region, Markey earned first place and $5,000 in the fifth annual Being an American Essay Contest, beating more than 24,000 students.

"I never thought it would go anywhere," said Markey. "I was so surprised I won."

Encouraged by her teacher Greg Clevenger, 16-year-old Markey chose to write her winning essay (which is attached to this story) about the civic value of courage.

Her essay begins: "America's ability to evolve and improve is, in great part, because of its courageous citizens. When one courageous voice speaks out for what is right, even if it means thousands turn against him, the course of history can be changed."

Markey goes on to cite Thomas Paine's Revolutionary War document The American Crisis and used James Meredith, the first African-American student to attend the University of Mississippi, as examples of courage in the face of adversity.

In her essay, she also explained how courage has shaped who she is today. "Equality is a civic value that Americans take pride in, and it needs to be defended. Courageous people stand up for what is right in order to preserve these civic values," she wrote.

Key to awesomeness: Besides writing award-winning essays, Markey says, "I like to volunteer in my community." In her spare time, she volunteers at a soup kitchen in Detroit and helps organize the Boys & Girls Club Christmas party every year.

Markey also participates in track and cross-country, is a member of the Business Professionals of America and participates in her church's youth group.

"I try to do anything I can in my extra time to help the community," she said.

Markey says she hopes to become a doctor or a lawyer and is thinking about attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor after graduation.

Each week, Oakland Township Patch seeks suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to editor Jen Anesi.