The KC is proud to publish last spring’s Ben Detwiler Award winners. The Ben Detwiler award is given each June to North Penn High School juniors whose writing pieces are selected as the top winners.

ALEX VAN –        English teacher: Mrs. Ellen McKee

Why do we all strive to be the “cool” kid? Why do we always care about what others think? …Why?

We live in a world that requires constant approval in order to be successful. Think about it. We need the approval of our parents in order to get things, go places, etc, so we try our best to get on their good side. We need the approval of our teachers in order to get good grades in the class, so we try to participate and ask them about their personal lives. We even need the approval of our friends in order to not be seen as an introvert or a loner. We try our best to change ourselves in the presence of others to seem “approachable” and “social-able.” Why not let people see you as you? It takes less time and effort to just be yourself and direct your time towards studies and making a change in the world. We need to make history because our society is regressing rather than progressing. Instead of looking up to the Kardashians as role models, why not let your individualism shine? It’s free and it’s you. Don’t continue to be a follower. Be a leader. Leaders are the ones who are recognized. Leaders are known. Leaders are the ones who are able to make a difference in the world by going against a common idea or belief. Instead of trying to get the right tweet or Instagram post, why not channel that effort towards volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club where little kids want an education, but are not as fortunate? Or at Manna on Main Street where people worry about where and when their next meal will come from? Change for the better is what we need, and although it may take time, it will be worth it. It doesn’t matter if you’re not seen as a “cool” kid to others. It just matters if you think you’re worth it and how you are going to live the rest of your life after you graduate. High school is just a speck of dust. There are plenty of more opportunities to let you blossom. Don’t let this one instance dictate your future. Let you dictate your future because you are special. You are one of a kind…Think about it.

TAYLOR HEGGAN – English teacher: Mrs. Ellen McKee

Mirror

I used to stare in the mirror and do you know what I saw?

Nothing, but the things you pointed out as my flaws.

I was too tall, too fat, too uncool to fit in.

I ruined your turn in this game called life you’re trying to win.

I was there when you needed me, but then you were gone in a flash.

I was never good enough, and you left me to crumble to dirt and ash.

So I tried to fit in, tried to do what you would say,

tried to change my life to work your way.

I looked in the mirror and started to see,

that I didn’t recognize myself; that wasn’t me.

I sat for a while thinking about what you said,

realizing I shouldn’t worry about your bitter thoughts that filled my head.

The world shouldn’t revolve around how I wear my makeup or hair.

I shouldn’t have to impress someone with the clothes I wear.

We live in a society that teaches us to cross out what’s different and leave what’s the same,

but this, this is real life, not some elementary school game.

Stop judging based on material things, and see people for who they are.

We need to stop bullying others and leaving them with nothing but scars.

Stop evaluating people based on the things they like to do.

Stop pushing away old friends who were always there to see you through.

Stop forcing people to the point where they can’t find themselves,

where they drown in sorrow and can’t reach that higher shelve.

The world needs to change and stop making it so hard to fit in,

stop pressuring people and making them uncomfortable in their own skin.

So start a movement to stop judging and to meet someone new.

Even if that person isn’t your type, you never know what that simple act of kindness can do.

Start catching up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while,

or start going the extra distance to wave or smile.

Start giving out compliments instead of insults to people in need,

because they might need help growing out of their shell, and you can plant that seed.

I hope one day I’ll look in the mirror and see not my flaws or whatever you said I’ll never be.

No, I hope I will see nothing but my reflection staring back at me.