First-generation-American students remind Missouri politicians why unity, freedom of speech are so important

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) – Ten Missouri students were honored at the state capitol Friday for award-winning essays on why they are proud to be American, with several first-generation Americans among those recognized.

Students from kindergarten through high school received the Lt. Governor’s Award for American Patriotism at a recognition ceremony and luncheon at the Missouri State Capitol. The contest, launched earlier this year to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, drew hundreds of submissions from across the state. Students were asked to complete one of two prompts: “I am proud to be an American because…” or “I love America because…”

Lt. Gov. David Wasinger said the essays reflected a deep appreciation for American freedoms.

“Reading these letters has been a reminder that the spirit of 1776 is alive and well in the hearts of Missouri’s youth,” Wasinger said. “At a time when our history is often underappreciated, these students have shown a deep understanding of the blessings of freedom and the sacrifices made by our founders.”

The full list of award recipients includes:

• Matias Fuente Mondragon, St. Vincent De Paul Parish School
• Luke Friedman, St. Louis University High School
• Eleanor Fishering, Parkway West High School
• Sophie Poff, Legacy Academy
• Mia Mruckovski, Gateway Science Academy
• Grayson Nievar, School of the Ozarks
• Elliana Jackson, Blue Eye Elementary
• Gabi Marlow, Pleasant Hill High School
• Amelia Seidelman, Cedar Creek Elementary
• Abigail Novykova, Willow Springs Elementary

In addition, Francesca Giardina of St. Joseph’s Academy in St. Louis was designated as the Lieutenant Governor’s Choice. Her essay will be permanently displayed in the Lieutenant Governor’s office at the Missouri State Capitol.

Mia Mruckovski wrote her essay on free speech, a freedom her family did not have in former Yugoslavia. Mia was one of several first-generation Americans to receive the award Friday.

“Over in Yugoslavia, poverty was widespread and there was political repression and freedoms were severely restricted,” Mia said. “I love America because we have the freedom to pursue our desires, express our thoughts and believe in what we want without the fear of persecution.”

Her father, Mario Mruckovski, said the family came to the United States in search of opportunity and freedom.

“We came here for opportunity, for freedom, and we found both,” Mario Mruckovski said.

He said listening to the other students reinforced that shared experience.

“When I was listening to other students here, everybody is looking for something in America and everybody found it,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Wasinger said he brought in judges from both political parties to show young Missourians the value of working across the aisle.

“Oftentimes we take these freedoms for granted, but you step back, you hear their perspective and what their parents went through and what they went through and they’re like ‘We love America,’” Wasinger said. “You know, this is a special place with all these freedoms we enjoy.”

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democratic lawmaker from St. Louis County, echoed that message.

“Just because we’re debating on things and not agreeing on all issues, doesn’t mean that we all shouldn’t be united as one country,” McCreery said.

Mia Mruckovski said that unity extends beyond political lines.

“At the end of the day, no matter if you’re left, right, Democrat, Republican, we are all American,” she said.