First Amendment and what it means to teenagers

If you’re looking to get jazzed up about journalism, judge a news competition for professional reporters and editors.

You’ll be impressed by the talent and dedication.

If you’re looking to get jazzed up about journalism and inspired by terrific young people, judge the Wisconsin Civics Games editorial-writing contest.

You’ll be amazed at the passion for the First Amendment and what it means to teen-agers.

Every year, students in Wisconsin’s high schools and middle schools write about the importance of the First Amendment as part of the WNA’s Civics Games competition.

Every year, the entries keep getting better.

These essays showcase strength and independence, a depth of thought and feeling about why it’s so important to have a voice.

Rylie Kranich of Waterford Union High School received top honors.

Rylie described the so-called Tank Man from the 1989 student protests in China’s Tiananmen Square — a chilling reminder of what can happen when freedom is lost.

She reminds us to be “grateful to live in a country that values reporting the truth.”

Rylie wraps up her inspiring piece with these wonderful reminders: “The First Amendment isn’t just fancy words written on an old piece of paper. It’s a promise that we can petition without punishment, speak without being silenced, assemble and not be struck down, praise without persecution, and seek the answers to our riddles without censorship.”

Tessa Tkachuk of Slinger High School received second place, reminding us the First Amendment provides protection as well as a tool.

“The people’s liberty of criticism is a shield, but also a chisel, as to shape the government best we can with our wills. The First Amendment is innovation; it is a righteous voice.”

As Tessa writes, it is more than just a voice:

“The First Amendment is faith. A song. A poem. A choir. A rallying cry.”

“The First Amendment is human.”

The third-place entry from Olivia Fiore, J.I. Case High School, Racine, shows how the First Amendment empowers citizens.

“Freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom to protest were all made to give the citizens of the United States power. We use these rights to fight for what we believe is right and go against what we think is wrong.”

Every entry contained a gem.

Naomi Lukas, Adams-Friendship High School, described why the First Amendment is so important to her.

She spent her early childhood in Ethiopia, where the government was authoritarian and elections provided little voice for the people.

She writes that when she moved to Wisconsin, the familiar smells and warm sunshine were replaced by tuna casserole, Jello salad and frigid winters.

But she gained freedom.

“For the first time in my life, I have freedoms many people in Ethiopia could only dream of. I’ve received a well-rounded education—something many Ethiopian girls never receive,” Naomi writes.

“In America, I could now speak without wondering if my words would cost my safety. I can speak my mind freely about the current administration and openly question the government. I can now express my opinions in a classroom, and protest about political topics I’m passionate about. I can even speak my political views on social media without fear of arrest or disappearance. Most importantly to me, I have freedom of religion.”

Felix Bishop of Clark Street Community School writes: “I’ve realized that our freedoms are never to be taken for granted, and that advocating for change in our country is more important than ever.”

Lucy Eltoft of Tremper High School in Kenosha writes: “We like to imagine that the First Amendment was born neatly at a desk in Philadelphia, composed through logic, and collective agreement among the political figures we learn about in grade school. In reality, it was born out of chaos. Through shattered trust, silenced voices, and a government who valued obedience over representation, the untouchable shield of expression was born.”

Cesar Lopez-Diaz of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee writes: “The First Amendment was never meant to be convenient or comfortable for those in power. It was written precisely to prevent any administration from manipulating information, punishing dissent or isolating citizens from the truth.”

Even an old journalist can find new reason for hope, thanks to our young Civics Games entrants.

Rusty Cunningham retired in 2020 as executive editor of the La Crosse Tribune, Chippewa Herald and River Valley Media Group. He previously had served as publisher of the group. He is a longtime board member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation.