ELGIN – Symphony Veloz’s ideas about patriotism, leadership and service earned her two scholarships which were awarded recently by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Veloz won the Lawton chapter honor and then was awarded first place in the district competition. Now, she is under consideration for the top statewide essay.
All competitors wrote essays in connection with the question, “What are the civic responsibilities of a good citizen and why are these duties, activities and behaviors important to the shaping of the America you hope to experience?”
Each contestant was given two hours to write their essay but could not use any aids except a dictionary.
“The way she addressed the question showed so much depth,” said Lawton DAR spokeswoman Christine Hutchings. “The way she discussed the evolution of citizenship and how it covers more and more people was impressive.”
As part of her essay, Veloz wrote, “our country evolved from a place that was under the rule of a monarch, to a place that only gave certain citizens a voice and freedom, and then finally to a nation that let everyone have the same freedoms. The ability of citizens to spark constant change for the people is the reason why freedom-loving citizens should love the United States.”
All essay contestants were required to address the value of service, leadership, patriotism and dependability, Hutchings said.
Veloz is the daughter of a U.S. Army Master Sergeant on Fort Sill.
The thoughts and beliefs expressed by Veloz were driven by her father, an American Federal Government class taken at Cameron University and her American History class at Elgin High School.
She also touched on voter apathy and the effects it has on the electorate.
“If more citizens stayed educated on the state of our nation, there would be more citizens willing to vote for potential leaders and voices for the change they want to see. More citizens doing their civic duties, like voting and fighting for needed change, would create a more authentic democracy and would strengthen the foundation of our country,” she wrote.
Veloz said she was excited to receive notification she had won the Lawton chapter award.
“Two months after the essay competition I got a letter inviting me to attend a meeting where I would receive the award,” she said. “I’m super happy because after writing the essay (for the local competition) I told my mom I didn’t think I did very well and I just forgot about it.”
Essay judges were retired educators who had no connection to DAR, Hutchings said.
Veloz is a well-rounded student who is involved in several groups and activities at Elgin High School, Hutchings said. The college-bound Veloz is part of the Elgin Student Council, was a four-year starter on the Elgin High School girls wrestling team, a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the yearbook staff and served as senior class president this year. She is also an honor graduate who finished in the top 10% of her class.
During her high school wresting career, Veloz won state championships her sophomore and junior seasons while finishing as runner-up this season. After graduating from high school, Veloz will attend Oklahoma City University where she will compete on the women’s wrestling team.