Winner–High School
"Project Wisdom"
by Julie
Matoaca High School, Virginia

This is the first year my school, Matoaca High School, has participated in Project Wisdom. At first I was unsure what to think of it. I was surprised to hear someone speaking about love and determination over the intercom, when, in the past, it had been used only for school announcements. Now it has become something positive that I expect and look forward to each day, especially when my days are stressful and nerve-wracking. If a day has begun rough, it soothes me to hear something so inspiring and uplifting even if only for a few moments. It calms me and enables me to be better able to deal with the problems that I might be experiencing. Even when I am preoccupied with something, the message always seems to come through, and I will find myself with a certain encouraging phrase running through my head. I have even found myself repeating the last passage of Project Wisdom with the announcements: "Make it a great day... or not. The choice is yours."

I also find it encouraging to have a student read the messages. It's more personalized to hear the broadcasts from one of our peers. Many times it is someone from one of my classes, and they will come back talking about it. People want to do the announcements now; it's an honor and people ask for the privilege. If hearing it read is such a positive influence, reading it personally is even better. It builds speaking skills and helps the students interact with the people around them. Those students who would claim that the program has had no effect would be mistaken. There is a subtle change for the better that has overcome the school, and we have only had the program in effect for a short period of time. I am looking forward to seeing the outcome of long-term use. A program of this nature, that teaches love and understanding, cannot possibly have any detrimental effect. It can only serve to do good in the school and the community.

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Winner–Middle School
"The Words of Wisdom"
by Serena
Thomas Russell Middle School, California

What began as being only a tedious interim at the beginning of every school day became the rare times in which I could analyze my life. This was when the Words of Wisdom, quotes from renowned people, were discussed with us at school. Little did I know that such seemingly trivial statements could actually affect my actions. There was one particular quote that had me surveying the life I had led so far. This was a quote asking whether you let things happen or if you make things happen to yourself. Are you just an observer or a participant in your life? This made me remember regretfully all the missed opportunities I had had in the past. With resolve, I made a promise to myself that instead of depending on destiny alone, I would decide my own fate by not letting faults such as my timorous nature get in the way of becoming someone greater. Since then, I have done things I've never considered before like entering in competitions, participating in class, and joining clubs. Hearing that quote really helped me realize that life is too short to be hindered by not acting upon your dreams and just sitting back waiting for opportunities to come to you. This quote is but one of the innumerable ones that have impacted my entire perspective. I am most grateful to the Words of Wisdom for enabling me to accumulate the lessons of a thousand years in the span of only a few minutes.

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Winner–Elementary School
"How Project Wisdom has Made a Difference in My Life"
by Destinee
Texas

Project Wisdom has made a difference in my life because it has taught me how to be respectful to my peers, teachers, and family. I have learned to be kind to others even though they are mean to me. Project Wisdom has also helped me to realize that kindness is the key. When a person is mean to you, you don't hit them or curse them. You kill them with kindness. Project Wisdom has taught me to look the other way. Project Wisdom has made me a wiser person.

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Honorable Mention - Middle School
"How Project Wisdom Has Made a Difference in My Life"
by Christopher
Westview Middle School, Texas

Waking up in the morning and getting ready for school gives me a little bit of anxiety. Nevertheless, I come to school and go to my classes because I know I will be welcomed by wonderful teachers and a positive and encouraging atmosphere in my school. My principal helps to create such a nurturing atmosphere, in part, with the Words of Wisdom he shares at the end of the daily announcements. He encourages us to have a good perspective on life and invites us to be wise in our thoughts, but most of all he teaches us to be responsible for our actions. He uses Project Wisdom to help us build respect for one another and to realize that humans all over the world have so much in common. Everything I have learned through Project Wisdom has given me confidence and encouragement to open the door to success. I would definitely say that Project Wisdom has made a difference in my life!

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Honorable Mention - Middle School
"How Project Wisdom Has Affected Me"
by Laura
Rolla Junior High School, Missouri

Each morning at Rolla Junior High School, before the announcements, a student reads an article entitled Project Wisdom over the intercom. These articles range from introspective and serious, to light and humorous, to just plain witty and fun. But no matter what the mood of the piece, Project Wisdom always makes you think. It presents a challenge to you, the listener. The challenge may be as simple as giving someone a smile, or as difficult as repairing a personal flaw. They challenge you to be a better person, no matter how easy, or how difficult, it may be.

Project Wisdom has affected my life more than I thought any announcements could. It makes me look deeper into myself as a friend, a student, a family member, and as a person in general. Project Wisdom challenges me to look at my actions, my responses to people, and my attitude as a whole. I do not always like what I see, but Project Wisdom causes me to better myself. It makes me think about other people's feelings, and how I, insignificant as I may be, affect the people and things around me. Project Wisdom is an invaluable tool to me. I know I would not be the person I am without it.

Project Wisdom makes me search deep down and look at what I stand for and what I believe. I know that without Project Wisdom I would not be as morally fortified as I am. I have confidence in what I believe, and I know that no matter what anyone around me says, I can stand up for my beliefs and know that I am not wrong. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the creators of Project Wisdom for all they have done for me. Without them, I would not be nearly what I am today.

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