On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will mark its 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. For the last Junior Saints of this school year, students were invited to draw a picture of a man or a woman who made history in the United States, and write about what they admire about that hero of American history.
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“What I admire most about Abraham Lincoln is that he was an amazing president who ended slavery. Lincoln was self-taught, meaning he taught himself how to read and write. Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, one of the most well-known speeches in American history. It stated that all men are created equal. Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation and helped write the 13th Amendment, which both state all men are created equal and slavery is bad… Abraham Lincoln is an amazing president, and I think he deserves his spot on the penny.” – Nora Schlegel, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Artwork of Betsy Ross by Maeve Walsh, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“America is turning 250 this July 4th. There have been so many great American heroes and heroines to choose from. I chose Betsy Ross, the designer of the first-ever American flag. She was a seamstress from Philadelphia. She is best known now for sewing and designing the American flag, according to legends. I admire that Betsy Ross wasn’t scared to step up and make the flag, even when asked by a secret committee. I feel that Betsy Ross really did form a great part of American history.” – Ella Meuwissen, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I admire Eliza Hamilton. I admire her because she opened the first private orphanage in New York City. She put people who were less fortunate than her ahead of her. Equality was one of the most important things to her. Even though she grew up as a slave owner, when her parents died, she set them free. Eliza opened the first free school in New York because she believed everyone deserved equal education. She also took in an orphan whose father was a Revolutionary War colonel. Eliza raised money to build the Washington Monument as well. I am so grateful Eliza Hamilton gave everyone a chance and helped build America the way it is today.” – Ellie Parks, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Artwork of Benjamin Franklin by Hunter Williams, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“An American hero I admire is Nathan Hale. Nathan Hale was first a captain and then a spy in the American Revolution. On September 21, 1776, Hale was captured by the British and was to be hanged. Before his death, Nathan Hale said, ‘I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.’ I admire Nathan Hale for his courage and determination, even in the face of death.” – Nico Angelo, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I chose Sally Ride, because she was the first American woman to go to space. She made a huge impact on women all over the world. I think she is a great woman to write about because she also inspired others. Sally Ride was brave, intelligent and inspiring.” – Jane Johnson, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Artwork of Clara Barton by Emma Endicott, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Rosa Parks was a famous civil rights activist. I admire that she stood up for Black people and how she fought racial discrimination. I also admire that she did not give her seat up on the bus no matter what happened. Rosa Parks inspired many other men and women to fight discrimination.” – Finn Crawford, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“George Washington was the first president of the United States. Before the American Revolution, he was a war hero and fought for Great Britain in the French and Indian War. He then became a farmer in Virginia and was elected as a government (official) and spoke out against Britain’s unfair laws and taxes.” – Sean Connolly, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Artwork of Sandra Day O’Connor by Greer Hetherington, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Harriet Tubman is a wonderful person. She is so important because she protected and led enslaved people out of the state. She was so smart that she made an Underground Railroad. She was courageous and thought of others. She was brave enough to go back to the South 13 times to save more and more people. She was very fearless.” – Sunny Holian, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Sacagawea artwork by Jane Hurley, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“What I admire about Rosa Parks is that she decided to stand up for her beliefs and what was right and didn’t worry about what the consequences were, and still did it, and never stopped fighting.” – Hadley Bray, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. artwork by Hudson Helminski, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was very important in our history. He fought for his rights and fought against segregation. His most important speech was ‘I Have a Dream,’ which showed his beliefs in an end to segregation. He thought everyone should be treated fairly, and no one should be judged for their skin color.” – Juliet Murray, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“Katherine Johnson was an amazing American mathematician and ‘human computer.’ She was born in a world dominated by men. Due to her being a woman, she was belittled and not respected by her peers. She calculated orbital mechanics that helped send the Apollo mission to the moon. I admire her perseverance. She proved that she was just as great as any other male mathematician, and helped the United States of America win the space race in 1969.” – Artwork and writing by Milly Abdo, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville, Maryland
“Do you know someone with an iPhone? 152 billion people in the world have iPhones. iPhones are one of the many everyday things we take for granted. The iPhone would not exist if it wasn’t for Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs founded the popular tech company known as Apple. That company’s invention of the iPhone was revolutionary. The phone is something that is crucial for day-to-day life and is very important in contributing to society.” – Artwork and writing by Piers Naranjo, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“A person who made history is Susan B. Anthony. She was a women’s rights activist, and she played a significant role in the women’s suffrage movement. I admire Susan due to her persistence in her mission even by getting arrested. But another reason I admire her is for helping women be able to vote.” – Patricia Chavez, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
Artwork of Dr. An Wang, a Chinese-American computer engineer and inventor, by Joseph Clarkson, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights activist. He was also a Baptist minister and social activist. He led the civil rights movement from around the 1950s until his assassination in 1968. He is recognized due to his commitment to change rights to make them equal. I admire his perseverance in his beliefs, and the fact that he didn’t stand down even after so much hate.” – Artwork and writing by Zara Umeh, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“Mae Jemison made history by being the first African American woman to go to space. She was one of the 15 out of 2,000 pool applicants to become an astronaut. What I admire about Mae Jemison is her courage to go to space. I have loved space since I was really little, so Mae Jemison is such an amazing person!” – Artwork and writing by Isabella Taborda, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“One American hero I really admire is Stevie Wonder. He was a prodigy when he was young, and even though he was blind, he learned to play instruments such as the piano. Another thing I admire about him was how perseverant he was. It must have been hard to not play an instrument blind, let alone play songs from memory. I think that he was a pioneer and showed that just because you are blind, that doesn’t mean you can’t follow your dreams.” – Tom Nitz, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“Bob Ross has been one of my biggest inspirations since I was a little girl. Something a lot of people don’t know is that he actually served in the military for 20 years and enlisted when he was 18. When he got deployed to Alaska, he saw the mountains and found a love for painting. Bob Ross then started a show called ‘The Joy of Painting.’ He inspired many people to pursue their dreams… Overall, he has left a very positive mark on the earth.” – Artwork and writing by Miki Yohannes, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
“Weston McKennie is an incredible soccer player for the U.S. national team and inspires me as a midfielder to come up to the play and how to score goals as a midfielder. He set the American record for the fastest hat trick, scoring three goals, and he plays for Juventus, an Italian soccer team, and is the second top scorer for a midfielder in the Champions League. He has also inspired me in his Christian ways...” – Artwork and writing by Alexander Gentile, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth School, Rockville
Our Lady of Mercy School, Potomac
Artwork and writing by Thomas Weiler, second grade, Our Lady of Mercy School, Potomac, Maryland
“Harriet Tubman was an American hero, because she helped many Black people escape from slavery. She led families through the Underground Railroad from the South to the North. Many slaves were freed because of her.” – Artwork and writing by Clare Weiler, fourth grade, Our Lady of Mercy School, Potomac, Maryland
St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Rosa Parks, artwork and writing by Saron Assefa, seventh grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Rosa Parks, artwork and writing by Yidideya Debrework, third grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Declaration of Independence, artwork by Adona Debrework, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Harriet Tubman artwork by Zuri Scott, second grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Edmonia Lewis is considered the first professional African American and Native American sculptor in the United States to achieve national and international acclaim. Even though much of her work has not survived into the 21st century, Lewis used her art to depict the stories of women and Indigenous people with reverence and beauty.” –Artwork and writing by Hendeke Kasa, second grade, , St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist and civil rights leader who led the nonviolent movement to achieve legal equality for Black Americans. Through boycotts, marches, and civil disobedience, he helped end legalized racial segregation in the USA and advance global human rights.” – Artwork and writing by Zora Scott, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights activist and Baptist minister who was a prominent leader of the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.” – Marjorie Gomez, second grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an anti-racist leader. He inspires me because even if others are rude and offensive, he still works in harmony and love.” – Christine Rhodes, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Malcolm X was a civil rights leader who stood up for what he believed in. He inspires me, because I want to stand up for what’s right.” – Artwork and writing by Lydia Williams, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Hillary Clinton is a prominent American politician, diplomat, and author who served as the U.S. Secretary of State, a U.S. senator representing New York, and First Lady of the United States.” – Artwork and writing by David James, second grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
St. Mary's School, Bryantown
“For my American heroes, I chose Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. They were known as the ‘Hidden Figures’ that helped with NASA’s achievements from the 1940s to the 1980s. They each had a role in NASA: Katherine Johnson was a mathematician, she calculated the flight trajectories for America’s first human space flights; Dorothy Vaughan was NASA’s first Black woman supervisor; and Mary Jackson was NASA’s first Black woman engineer. The ‘Hidden Figures’ are role models for me, because they helped send humanity to the stars!” – Artwork and writing by Taylor Dent, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown, Maryland
Drawing of Henry Ford by Brennan Sappington, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Susan B. Anthony is an American hero because she spearheaded the women’s suffrage movement, tirelessly dedicating her life to achieving voting and property rights for women. Susan B. Anthony encouraged many women to stand up for what is right. This is why I chose Susan B. Anthony as my American hero.” – Grace Payne, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of Abraham Lincoln and writing by Derek Baden, third grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I chose Harriet Tubman because of her daring rescue operations on the Underground Railroad, her role as a Union scout and spy during the Civil War, and later her advocacy for women’s suffrage. She led approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom and provided instructions that helped dozens more escape. Tubman served the Union Army in South Carolina as a nurse, cook, scout and spy… In 1896, she established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged.” – Isabella Welcome, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of Alexander Hamilton by Samantha Morrison, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Amelia Earhart was a brave pilot who changed history for women in aviation. She loved flying and worked hard to achieve her dreams even when many people thought women could not be pilots. Amelia Earhart became famous for flying across the Atlantic Ocean and inspiring others to be courageous. She showed people that with determination and confidence, anything is possible. Many people still remember Amelia Earhart because she never stopped chasing her goals.” – Kensi Kehres, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of Helen Keller and writing by Adriana Emshwiller, second grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Francis Scott Key made history in America because he wrote the National Anthem. He decided to write it when he saw the flag still waving at down when the bombardment of Fort McHenry happened. He inspired so many people even to today.” – Charles Waters, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of Neil Armstrong by Deklin Sherman, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Thomas Edison is the creator of the light bulb. He also transformed American life by pioneering the world’s first industrial research laboratory. Without his creations, we wouldn’t be able to have systematized innovation…” – Danny McMahon, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of the Wright brothers by Noah Potter, third grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Willie Mays was an American hero. He also broke many records. Willie Mays inspired me to play baseball. His famous quote is, ‘They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it.’” – Dillon McMahon, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“My American hero is Babe Ruth. He was the greatest baseball player of all time. He is an American hero for being the first sports superstar. He played baseball for 22 seasons, 1914-1935.” – Nate Brewer, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. He led the country through the Civil War and helped end slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation. I admire him because he was a strong leader who always tried to do what was right, even when it was difficult.” – Artwork of Abraham Lincoln and writing by Karla Osorio, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“George Washington was the first president of the United States of America. He was a general in the Revolutionary War. He was the only president that everybody agreed on. He helped make America great.” – Artwork of George Washington and writing by Gemma Soriano, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Thomas Jefferson was one of the famous presidents in American history. He wrote the Declaration of Independence and founded the University of Virginia. Something that I admire about him is that when he made the Declaration of Independence, he wrote that all men are created equal. He established our rights to have life and liberty. He even had very nice and clean handwriting.” – Artwork of Thomas Jefferson and writing by Lorris Pangilinan, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Barack Obama worked hard to achieve his goals and became the first African American president of the United States. He’s inspired many people by encouraging hope, education and service to others. Barack Obama showed that with hard work and perseverance, people can make a positive difference in their country and communities.” – Artwork of Barack Obama and writing by Bella Stanton, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Neil Armstrong’s iconic quote – ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – was the first quote I ever learned. It still resonates with me to this day. It tells us that even the smallest step you take in life can do so much for you and others around you. In the Bible in Zechariah 4:10, it says, ‘Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…’” – Artwork of Neil Armstrong and writing by Julianna Contreras, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Helen Keller shifted global perceptions of disabled people. Overcoming deaf blindness, she became the first person with the condition to earn a bachelor of arts degree. Furthermore, she worked with the American Foundation for the Blind, touring globally to encourage better educational resources, employment opportunities and accessibility for the visually and hearing impaired. Helen’s life story teaches me that even with tough conditions, you can still achieve your goals and dreams.” – Artwork of Helen Keller and writing by Charli David, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Helen Keller was an advocate for people with disabilities and women’s rights. I admire her efforts to allow women the same rights as men, especially the right to vote. The fact she was blind and deaf makes her feats more astonishing.” – Artwork of Helen Keller and writing by Sophia Parapara, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“I admire Rosa Parks because she was brave. She stood up for what was right when people were treated unfairly. Rosa made a big difference in America.” – Lauren Thweatt, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader who led the American civil rights movement. He famously advocated for racial equality, voting rights and economic justice through peaceful protest and civil disobedience (sit-ins, marches and protests).” – Ngozi Goins, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I picked St. Elizabeth Ann Seton because she did amazing things, and she is important to me. She is important to me because she did things like founding the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph. She also opened the first Catholic school for girls in the United States, focused on education for the poor, and she helped establish orphanages for poor children. She was the first native citizen in the United States to be canonized as a saint, and she did many more things. She is also important to me because she is one of my great (six more great) aunts. I hope when I am older, I can be as holy and amazing as she was and do many great things.” – Artwork and writing by Norah Beauchamp, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills, Maryland
“Rosa Parks made history in the United States because she stood up against segregation by refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white person in 1955. At the time, unfair laws separated Black people and white people. Her brave action helped start the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was an important event in the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks showed that one person can make a big difference. She is a hero because she stood up for what was right, even when she knew she could get in trouble. Her courage inspired many people to fight for equal rights. Because of people like Rosa Parks, segregation laws began to change. I admire Rosa Parks because she was brave and never gave up on fairness. She teaches us that we should stand up for others and do the right thing, even when it is difficult. For all these reasons, I am proud to be a Little Flower School Patriot, knowing people like her in the United States can make a change.” –Camdyn Buckler, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“James Truslow Adams was an American writer and historian. He popularized the term ‘American Dream.’ This term means not having material wealth, but having a society where every individual, regardless of social class, birth, or background, can achieve what he or she is capable of. I admire him because he believed everyone can be whatever they want to be. James was a successful businessman who wrote about the history of New England. Here is a quote from him: ‘The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.’ I really admire him for his work.” – Artwork and writing by Leo Hanson, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I admire Abigail Adams for her support for rights for women’s education and for saying they should be treated and have rights like men. Abigail also proved women don’t need men to do anything. While her husband, John Adams, was absent for a long time due to political and diplomatic work, Abigail managed the family’s farm, household, and finances while also raising their children.” – Artwork and writing by Sarah Nelson, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Although Albert Einstein was not born in the United States, he did change our history. He changed science with amazing theories about space, time, energy, and gravity. I admire Albert Einstein because to me, it is crazy that one man changed science this much. Even though all his theories seem like common sense to us now, they didn’t back then, and it is only obvious now because of him and his amazing feats. There are still some things that I do not understand about science, but that’s why it’s fun.” – Artwork and writing by Desmond Murillo, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I admire Alice Paul. She helped organize marches and protests to allow women the right to vote. She led the push for the 19th Amendment which allowed women the right to vote in 1920. Alice Paul was a feminist and activist. Alice Paul was a key leader of the women’s rights movement in the early 20th century. She is well known for her brave efforts to secure equal voting rights in the United States. After women were finally allowed voting rights, Alice Paul realized there was still a lack of full legal and social equality. So she decided to introduce the first version of the Equal Rights Amendment which demanded absolute legal equality for everyone regardless of sex.” – Artwork and writing by Valencia Irving, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I admire Susan B. Anthony because she was a women’s rights activist. She traveled the country and gave speeches on establishing the 19th Amendment. She also fought for equal pay, the right for women to retain their own earnings, and the woman’s labor organization. This is important to me, because I think everyone deserves equal rights. She also advocated for the abolition of slavery. She shaped a lot of the Civil Rights Movement. She was a very important figure today and back then.” – Artwork and writing by Stella Holiday, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Rosa Parks was a very inspirational person. She was one of those people who was willing to stand up for her rights even if it meant punishment. But she wasn’t just inspirational to the people who were fighting for their rights; everyone was impacted by her decision to stay in that bus seat even when they told her she had to leave. She teaches the world that we do not have to let other people push us around for our beliefs, gender, or skin color. We should stand up to them, and who knows, we might just change the world like Rosa did.” – Artwork and writing by Hadley Day, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“I admire Elon Musk because he is creative and works hard. He is known for creating new technology and big ideas. Elon Musk helped create electric cars through Tesla. He also works with rockets and space travel through Space X. He inspires people to think big and follow their dreams. He never gives up even when things are hard. His inventions help people, and improve technology. I admire him because he shows determination and leadership.” – Artwork and writing by Olivia Pavel, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Someone I admire is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I admire him because he is one of the reasons that I get to hang out with some of my best friends. He had some of the greatest speeches in history, and he was also a Christian like me and my friends. He was a grandson of Baptist ministers and went to Church every week and basically grew up in the church. I am so grateful he fought for segregation to end, because I am so grateful for my friends, Max, Cody, Leo, and many more. They make me excited to go to school.” – Bryson Gladden, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Alexander Hamilton was an American military officer, statesman and Founding Father. He served as the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1789 to 1795 under the presidency of George Washington… I chose him because he did not give up, even when times were hard.” – Teniola Olusuyi, seventh grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton, Maryland
“George Washington was elected as the first U.S. president… He has a strong legacy and was a great leader. George Washington lost many battles and didn’t give up on himself or the country, which is really inspiring to me.” – Artwork and writing by Allison Quiroz, seventh grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a world-renowned civil rights activist and faith leader, whose contributions to non-violence and social justice are celebrated each January. During his lifetime, Dr. King was a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for his personal courage, powerful oratory and profound commitment to non-violent civil disobedience as the best path to full inclusion and equality for Black Americans.” – Artwork and writing by Ashly Sales, seventh grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
Drawing of the poet and novelist Sylvia Plath by Nathaly Hernandez Garcia, sixth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Arthur Ashe was the only Black man to ever win the singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. He was also the first Black man to play on the U.S. Davis Cup team, and he was the first Black athlete to play in a major tournament in South Africa.” – Artwork and writing by Carter Miller, seventh grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“I think Simone Biles is brave and works hard… She has won 41 medals from the Olympics and the World Championships, and that is really hard work.” – Artwork of gymnast Simone Biles and writing by Skye McIntyre Ray, sixth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Harriet Tubman helped a lot of people to get free from slavery and to escape to freedom… She freed 70 enslaved people and led them to freedom by using the Underground Railroad. She cared a lot for people. I admire her because she risked her life fighting for justice.” – Zulma Vazquez, sixth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
