A 13-Year-Old’s Remarkable Perspective on Patriotism
Liam Kuzmickas’ award-winning essay tugs at the heartstrings Mrs. Kennedy handed out the class assignment, as she had for the last twelve years, to her seventh grade Social Studies classes. Write a short essay on the subject of the Ohio Elks Association’s annual “Americanism” question. This year the topic was “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?” One of her students, Liam Kuzmicas, a shy soft-spoken seventh grader at Olmsted Falls Middle School, viewed it as another normal assignment.
At first. This assignment was different. It came with the potential of a different kind of extra credit. The essays are graded as an assignment and then submitted to the local Elks Lodge for judging, and that’s an extra incentive for the students. “When I tell them the winners and their family get invited to a special dinner where they are recognized with a certificate and even money, the kids think that’s so cool and they get kind of pumped up for it,” Mrs. Kennedy says.
Liam is the kind of motivated kid who strives to do the best at whatever he does―bowling, golfing, playing the saxophone―and especially academics. His teacher considers him one of the smartest kids she’s ever had. To Liam, this project was an opportunity to put into words what patriotism really meant to him deep down inside. It wasn’t a subject he and his peers discussed much, but it was the kind of topic his family openly explored at the dinner table. And he tackled it with his usual gusto. He did some deep thinking and then sat down and started writing. After about four hours of organizing and fine tuning his thoughts, he had produced a bold yet brief essay that shared a rich perspective of patriotism that related the many aspects of freedom with a clear focus on a better future for us all. A concise recitation on patriotism far beyond his years. And a composition that will touch every American who reads it.
What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?
To me, patriotism is not defined by flags or anthems, but by the daily actions that reflect the values our country was built upon. It is a quiet, enduring commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality, and a responsibility to ensure these ideals are not just preserved but strengthened for future generations.
True patriotism is rooted in a love for the country, not in blind loyalty to its flaws or mistakes, but in the belief that a nation can always become better. It’s recognizing the struggles of the past while working to create a more just and inclusive society. Patriotism means having the courage to challenge injustice, the wisdom to listen to those whose voices have been silenced, and the humility to admit that our nation’s journey is ongoing.
At its heart, patriotism is a shared bond that transcends divisions. It means finding unity in our diversity, celebrating our differences while remembering that we are all part of a larger story. It is in the quiet acts of kindness, the vote cast in a democracy, the voices raised in protest for a better future―it’s in standing up for the dignity of every person, regardless of background or belief.
Patriotism is not a passive feeling, it is an active force. It’s about showing up, speaking up, and giving back, no matter the challenges. To love one’s county is to care enough to see it improve, to preserve its values while ensuring they live up to their fullest promise. This is the kind of patriotism I believe in: not just a love for what is, but a commitment to what could be.
Liam Kuzmickas – Grade 7
Olmsted Falls, OH
Sponsored by Berea Elks Lodge #1815
Where did his prose come from? Liam says it starts with his close family, especially his parents. He has four brothers, two older (Grayson and Andrew), one younger (Oliver), and an extroverted twin brother, Elliot. His dad, Paul is an administrator at Cleveland Clinic, and his mom, Jen, is a fifth-grade teacher. She says, “We have a lot of discussions about what’s going on in the world, and our boys have four unique personalities and often points of view. We try to stay open-minded, answer the boys’
questions, and just talk about the differences and similarities, and try and find commonality. Liam has a kind heart, and he wants everyone to get along, and I think that allows him to see the true meaning instead of just the rough sides that everyone goes through. I think that’s where his essay came from.”
Liam’s teacher, Mrs. Kennedy, wasn’t surprised when Liam won the essay contest. “He’s very assertive. He advocates for himself. He asks questions all the time just to make sure he knows what he’s doing. He’s super motivated and always wants to do well and gain more knowledge. He started off the year very shy and quiet, but his sense of humor blossomed, and he came out of his shell and made a lot of friends.” His mother added, “ Liam is very empathetic, and his friends come to him when they have problems. He just loves helping people.”
His local Elks Lodge held a special recognition dinner for all the essay contest winners in the area. Liam and his parents were treated to dinner, and then after a short ceremony Liam was presented with his first-place certificate and a $150 prize. That kind of attention was a little embarrassing for Liam, but he suffered through it with a shysmile. He still hasn’t spent the money. Maybe it will go into his college fund.
Perhaps Mrs. Kennedy said it best; “He’s a pretty amazing kid.”
PHOTO: L to R; Keith Denny, President, Ohio Elks Association; Laura Kennedy, Liam’s teacher; Paul Kuzmickas; Liam Kuzmickas; Jen Kuzmickas; Bryan Klatt, Grand Exalted Ruler, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
ABOUT THE OHIO ELKS ASSOCAITION
The Ohio Elks Association (OEA) is a state association of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) of the United States of America. It comprises 75 local Elks Lodges representing over 35,000 like-minded Ohioans who believe we can build stronger communities through charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. The OEA sponsors several National BPOE programs, such as the Americanism essay contest, as well as many State programs that promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of our children, veterans, communities, and members. The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity.
Media Contact:
Brad Smith
Ohio Elks Association Public Relations Chairperson
brad@b2bsmithgroup.com 740-244-7445
