The Virtue of Citizenship by Joel K.

At the end of each school year, fifth graders at Archway Glendale are asked to write a speech about one of the nine virtues they have learned during their elementary education at Great Hearts. Today, we will explore the virtue of Citizenship as written by rising sixth grader, Joel K.

Citizenship is the virtue of a good person. Citizenship is an important virtue because it has such a broad meaning, which means it can show many other virtues, such as friendship, humility, and integrity. It is a virtue that benefits our community. Citizenship is a great and strong virtue that can shape you into a virtuous person. Citizenship is one of the key virtues to becoming a good and just person.

Citizenship can be shown in literature, such as in The Secret Garden. In this story, Mary shows citizenship by bringing the secret garden and Colin’s will to live back to life and preventing Archibald Craven’s heart from completely withering away. Citizenship can be shown everywhere. For instance, it can be shown in books, poems, history, and in our day-to-day lives.

In history, the virtue of citizenship can even be shown in challenging times, like the Civil War for instance, Clara Barton shows citizenship by helping to nurse many of the sick and wounded soldiers back to health. This great example of citizenship shows that this virtue can be shown even in the most difficult of times.

In our very own school Archway Glendale, there is someone who shows a remarkable amount of citizenship. That person is our daily porter, Ms. Claudia. She shows citizenship by cleaning up other people’s messes and always having a smile on her face. She works all day to keep our school clean so that we can all stay healthy and learn in an environment that we can be proud of. She is an example to us all that anytime, anywhere, anyone, can show the important virtue of citizenship.

As you have heard, citizenship can be shown in many ways. It can be shown in different places like in books, and at different times such as moments in history. As we move on to Glendale Prep, I am looking forward to providing continued support and showing citizenship in hopes of motivating people in doing the right thing and helping those around me. Citizenship can shape you into an individual of great virtue, and value to your community.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jason.moore@greathearts.org.