William Penn Life, 2006 (41. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)

2006-11-01 / 11. szám

SECOND PRIZE - New Students - $250 Caitlin Tarcy, Branch 28 Youngstown, OH

Fraternalism is an essential characteristic of a civilized society. It is the organized effort of many individuals working together for a common good. To me, fraternalism means sharing resources to help those in need, promoting and celebrating our commonality through friendship and mutual support. Fraternalism affords an opportunity to enhance humanity through acts of service. The birthday wish I receive every year from my William Penn representative, the peace of mind from having established financial goals early, and the help given through scholarships are personal examples of what fraternalism means to me. Fraternalism means to contribute as well as benefit.

THIRD PRIZE - New Students - $250 Brian Colleran, Branch 34 Pittsburgh, PA

When one speaks about fraternalism, I see an image of brotherhood, camaraderie enjoyed by a group of people working toward a common cause, and the belief that each individual has a responsibility to their fellow men and women. It does not matter that they come from different backgrounds and different cultures, yet they still come together to help improve their communities in which we all live, work and play. It is a society that provides education, to encourage and foster acts of loyalty, justice, charity and patriotism. To give aid in case of sickness, accident or other misfortune and still promote the physical and spiritual intelligence and cultural background of its members. It is more than an organization, it is a family.

SECOND PRIZE Renewal Students • $250

Erin Sopronyi

Branch 249 Dayton, OH

The concept of fraternalism has been around for years, and as an American it is something that means a great deal to me. Fraternalism means people helping people for the greater good, not just to help themselves get ahead but also helping others get ahead, too. For centuries, people have depended on one another and doing so has helped us grow and prosper as a nation. We have been built on a foundation of brotherhood and the belief that we all have a responsibility for our fellow Americans. We have strongly shown this several times over the past few years with tragedies such as the 9/11 attacks and hurricane Katrina. Fraternalism is people of different backgrounds and cultures coming together and realizing that we all have the same basic needs and helping each other fulfill them.

THIRD PRIZE - Renewal Students - $250 Andrew Gordon, Branch 13 Trenton, NJ

Fraternalism is a concept that can be understood to mean several different things. There is fraternalism in athletics, schools and even business. However, fraternalism has a deeper significance to me. The altruism and support that we give and receive to and from our fellow members of society create a fraternity of community.

I believe that fraternalism means contributing to mankind and helping to give to others who are less fortunate. This ideal has played a crucial role in my development as a young man. Since I was in high school, I've contributed to the fraternity of my community by helping local inner-city children learn to read and write in their second language, English. Throughout my college career I have been an active member in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity in aiding the local Pittsburgh community. Whether it be a blood drive or a clean-up project at a local church, this organization, of which I am a proud member, participates in enriching the world through dedicated altruism. Finally, I am contributing to society on a personal level in helping the fight against breast cancer. I am in the process of raising over two thousand dollars in an attempt to do my part in aiding the effort to cure this terrible disease.

I have learned many things throughout my life, but nothing I've learned has been more important than fraternalism within the many different communities to which I belong.

William Penn Life, November2006