2025 Winning Essay (Middle School)
Bryce Daugherity
George Washington Middle School
George Washington had many accomplishments in the 67 years of his life. He fought in many battles, was promoted to the rank of a three star general, and served as the first ever president of the United States. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the War for American Independence and the United States Army. This anniversary is important to celebrate because we can remember the sacrifices people made for our independence. In the last 250 years, America has accomplished so much because of George Washington. He was just one man who gave generations of freedom for future Americans.
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County VA. George Washington was raised on a farm in Westmoreland County, Virginia with nine other siblings. Living on a farm, George Washington learned the importance of hard-work and dedication, which helped him as a general and in his time as president. When George was eleven years old, his father died because of a cold. Due to this, George did not get a proper education like his older siblings. When George got his first job as a surveyor, he learned geography and many other important skills that he would need later on as a three star general. For example, George Washington used geography to plan attacks.
In 1752, George Washington's brother, Lawrence Washington, died at the age of 34. As a result, George Washington inherited Mount Vernon, his future home. Later that year, George Washington was sworn in as a major and volunteered for active duty military service. Soon after, the French and Indian war began. During this war, George Washington learned military strategy and studied politics, which were valuable traits that helped him as a general and as future president.
George Washington started as a soldier, but later on advanced into more strategic warfare and senior leadership such as commanding soldiers and making plans. After his time as a general, he became the first president of the United States. Washington did not really want to become president, instead he wanted to spend the rest of his days relaxing and farming at Mount Vernon. He enjoyed farm work such as planting and harvesting. Also, he liked to read and write in his study during the morning. Sometimes he would throw big parties at his house that would have 500 people or more.
Not only was George Washington a great soldier, he was a great president. Once George Washington was president, he made the federal government with his peers and the Founding Fathers, and it has been working for over 250 years. George Washington helped many people by protecting freedoms, including religious freedom. Also, he set up the Presidential Cabinet and constructed the nation's capital. Many people wanted George Washington to be king, but instead he stepped down after two terms as president. This shows how he was not greedy and wanted the best for America.
George Washington is very important to many Americans, but is especially important to me. Every year my family goes to Mount Vernon, takes the tour, and learns about George Washington's life. My church, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, held four memorial services for George Washington at the time of his death. Also, my school is named George Washington Middle School. These factors contribute to the reason why I am writing this essay in the first place.
My mom works for the Army, so my family is very excited about the 250th anniversary. The Army turns 250 years old on June 14, 2025. This is connected to when George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. The Army was just starting 250 years ago, and it has made huge progress. The Army played an important role in the development of America, and it was established one year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. George Washington played an immense role in the development of both the Army and the creation of our nation.
George Washington gave an example for future presidents to always act honestly and to not take advantage of being president. Also, presidents do many kind things to help the public like George Washington. Many presidents follow his example because he was nice and honest, which most presidents have been for over 200 years.
Citations
George Washington. WHHA (en-US). (n.d.). https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/george-washington#:~:text=He%20spent%20most%20of%20his,like%20his%20older%20half%2Dbrothers.
Homepage. George Washington’s Mount Vernon. (n.d.). https://www.mountvernon.org/