Many Whitehall High School students have earned special recognition for their written works in the Committee of Seventy’s essay contest, coined Presidential Inaugural Addresses: An Essay Contest from Can We Talk?

“This resource and essay contest from Can We Talk? presents excerpts from some of the most highly regarded inaugural addresses,” Committee of Seventy stated in a recent news release. “Throughout each address, you’ll notice that the skill of rhetoric — the art of speaking effectively and persuasively — is a key element of the presidential toolbox. Rhetorical skill helps presidents rise to the moments of crisis they confront, helping them frame and explain these moments to the nation in a way that will live on.”

The essays were scored on strength and originality of ideas, clarity of expression and syntax and grammar by judges Justin Villere, Harris Sokoloff and Chris Satullo, leaders of Can We Talk?, according to Committee of Seventy.

“The United States Constitution provides that every newly elected president should be sworn into office Jan. 20 of the year following the election. In a custom begun by George Washington, the new president then gives a speech to the nation, laying out broad goals or aspirations for the presidency. Over the years, several of these speeches have contained some of the most memorable words ever uttered on American soil,” according to Committee of Seventy.

Committee of Seventy invited students to write an essay about what they would like to hear Donald Trump say during his presidential inaugural address Jan. 20, based on this question: “As a resident of this nation, what message would you like to hear from him? What words do you think would best meet this moment?”

Committee of Seventy received 34 essays from Pennsylvania students. Miriam Feday received a grand-prize award of $200, and Synthia Layous received one of two second-place awards of $100. Both are seniors.

Twelve additional students were chosen for honorable mention, which included a $25 award. WHS students who were given honorable mention are Austin Fares, senior; Cameron Herring, sophomore; Cindy Jiang, senior; Lamitta Layous, sophomore; Peter Raffoul, senior; and Braedyn Zappe, senior.

“Reading these young Americans’ words is at once a sobering and inspiring experience,” the news release said. “The students are clear eyed about their country’s flaws and problems, but they show an encouraging idealism, a passion for the idea of America and a faith that their country can — and perhaps will — do better. Some are thrilled that Trump is their president again; some, upset. Several write with sophistication and a touch of anger about problems their elders may leave it to their generation to solve: inflation, extremism, climate change, addiction to screens and violence in the Middle East.”

Feday’s and Layous’ essays are as follows.

Miriam Feday

“Extremism and violence undermine everything this country stands for, and we cannot let them take control.

“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the damage division can cause. We’ve seen communities torn apart by senseless violence, families torn apart by ideological divides and hardworking Americans left behind by systems designed to uplift everyone.

“These are not isolated incidents; they are a reflection of our shared values growing further and further apart. As a nation, we have the power to choose a different path, one where unity is prioritized, and our freedoms are protected. Throughout history, our democracy has thrived most when we stood together and not when we allowed the loudest voice in the crowd to drown everyone else out.

“From the Civil War to this Gilded Age, extremism has cost us. Today we have the choice to either allow hatred and fear to dictate our future, or to build a nation that reflects the best of who we truly are. This path forward will not be easy, but it is necessary. Unity does not require uniformity, it demands compromise. It calls us to listen to who we disagree with and to find common ground when it feels impossible.

“We must reject the voices that build division and amplify those who believe in something greater than themselves.”

Synthia Layous

“My fellow Americans, today we stand at an inflection point in our nation’s history. The problems we confront — division, uncertainty and global instability — demand not just strong leadership but a new commitment to our common values.

“In these turbulent times, we must remember that our strength has always come from our unity. Our differences in opinion, background and belief make America beautiful. Time and time again, we have proven what we can achieve when we stand together. In the aftermath of September 11th, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and recently as we battled the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation came together to support one another with compassion, resilience and a shared purpose.

“But we must ask ourselves: why should it take tragedy to bring us together? Let’s carry that same spirit of unity into our everyday lives. Let’s face the challenges of inequality, climate change and economic recovery with the same resolve we show in times of crisis.

“I pledge to listen, to lead with integrity and to fight for the needs of every American, not just those who support me. Together, we must rebuild trust in our institutions, revitalize our economy and bridge social gaps that divide our fabric. Let us concentrate on that which brings us together: the hope of a better life for our children, the pursuit of liberty and opportunity for all.

“Today I ask you to join me in beginning this new chapter. One in which the American spirit is lifted by the brightness of a new dawn.”