Davidson County native, Nate Everhart, wins Lt. Governor's essay contest

Nate Everhart, right, takes a picture with NC tate Senator, Steve Jarvis (center). {Contributed photo}

By: Nate Everhart
4th grade
Aman Christian Academy

"Being raised in North Carolina allows me to enjoy many things. My favorite things about growing up in North Carolina are what I am writing about. I love being free and being able to go to church. I love my church and the fact that there are many churches for people to choose from. Everyone can go to their church or visit someone else’s church and learn about God. I enjoy all the different parks we have. I love playing at parks, meeting my best friend Eric at the park and playing. I like that you can go for a walk, and enjoy all the nature God created. I also like the parks that have splash pads. Those are fun, especially when it’s hot! I like having good hospitals. They help people get better. When my twin sisters were born they were only 3 pounds each and had to stay in the NICU for over a month. The doctors and nurses at Forsyth Hospital were great. They took such amazing care of my baby sisters. They were so nice to my family too and helped us get through the time when we weren’t all together. I love having different job opportunities for when I get older one day. There are lots of choices for what I can be when I grow up. My parents tell me if I work hard and do well in school I can do anything. I like having fresh groceries for me and my family. We can get them from the grocery store, local stores, farms, and farmer’s markets. I love when our parents give us money to pick something out at the farmer’s market ourselves. They always have such delicious foods. I like having my family live close by in North Carolina.

Most of my family lives in the Triad so we get to see them a lot. My parents tell us how important it is to spend time with family. My sister and I are even working on our family tree right now to see where we came from. We love whenever our family can get together. It’s always a lot of fun! I like being able to play sports (like hockey). I just started hockey this year (when things started opening back up). I love the opportunity to try new things. I love hockey and am glad for the chance to play. I like that our parents can choose how we go to school. I went to a Christian school in Greensboro for four years. Now I am homeschooled. I like that we were able to make the move to homeschool easily. We enjoy it a lot and appreciate that God allowed us to make that move. I am proud we have the freedom to celebrate our country. We can honor all those who gave their lives for our freedom. My great grandfather died during the Vietnam War, so it’s neat I can honor him and others during the National Anthem. It is important to remember our country’s past and great beginning. I like that I am able to be a part of a community. Where we can help others and be there for each other. I also like Cheerwine. I think it’s cool that it’s made here! It’s the only soda besides sprite my parents will let us drink and it’s my favorite! This year we are learning NC History. I am excited to learn more about our great state and the people who sacrificed to establish not only our state, but also our country. I think it’s a privilege to grow up in North Carolina. We have a lot of opportunities that others might not. There are so many great things about our state!"

"Congratulations, Nathan! Young people like you are the future of our state. Your knowledge, talent, and appreciation for our great state will send you far. I am confident our country's future is in great hands." -Senator Steve Jarvis

Everhart and Jarvis are all smiles {Contributed photo}