RICHMOND COUNTY – As a 17 years-old rising senior at RSHS, Trey Singleton epitomizes maturity beyond his age. In fact, it would seem that such a gift has effectively characterized him since birth.
Academically, there can be no question of such – Trey was “pulled out” of standard classes in kindergarten and has continued to demonstrate the acumen and intellectual prowess detected at such an early age.
Having matriculated at public schools of Richmond County (i.e., L.J. Bell Elementary; Rockingham Middle; Ninth Grade Academy; and now Richmond Senior High School), Trey discovered his affinity for an array of interests, both scholastic and extra-curricular in nature.
Multiple areas of academics and various types of activities occupy the time and daily scheduling of Trey Singleton. He has been a Quiz Bowl participant and is an early college enrollee through RCC. Mathematics, Spanish, and psychology are cited as his primary subjects of refined focus, as is music in general and band-related endeavors in particular. Trey has been an active member of various school bands and music-related groups since elementary school, and now plays oboe and flute for the RSHS Marching Band.
Trey is quick to credit the influential people in his life. Noting the patience and indulgence of his family members, he also cites the encouragement and mentoring that he received from his teachers and classmates, but is especially appreciative of the efforts of Robert Graves, a retired Latin teacher, psychology instructor James Spurgeon, and Advanced Placement History teacher, Mr. McMillen.
Indeed, perhaps Mr. McMillen exerted the greatest degree of influence on Trey; the study of history would seem to be his favorite of all of his interests, and his winning essay reflects this passion.
Entitled “Celebrating Liberty,” the patriotic theme paper of 494 words is succinct, yet poignant in its message. It is hereby presented for your review:
Celebrating Liberty
By William R. Singleton, III
Our government is truly and uniquely American. The ideals set forth by the Founding Fathers have always had an effect on the conduct of the American people. One of the key components of the American government is that it was founded to belong to the public. Gone were the days of the people being the servants of the government and now were the days of the government being the servant of the people.
Never before had a nation prospered under such principles in 1776. Now, 242 years later, these principles are the standards to which modern nations are held.
We measure a country’s success by how much freedom its people possess. We condemn the countries whose people cower in fear at the power of a tyrant and laud with success the countries whose leaders are fearful of misrepresenting the will of the people. For according to the principles set forth by the Founding Fathers, the people have the right to dissolve or change any government that oppresses, any government that misuses its power, any government that does not protect them or their prosperity.
Alexander Hamilton knew when he said “The people alone have an incontestable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government and to reform, alter, or totally change the same when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it” that he was investing more power in the people than in the government.
One might even say at first glance that he is investing too much power in the people – according to this quote, many people would feel compelled to completely change our government now, and many people would have felt compelled to completely change our government in 1970, or in 1944, or in 1861. But that is an innate strength, not an unintended weakness, of the ideals this country abides by. People should be angry when they hear about Congress passing a bill that gives them a pay raise. People should be angry when they hear about corruption in our government. People should be angry when they don’t feel like their rights are being protected. And the senators, governors, mayors, and sheriffs should be scared when they don’t protect the rights of the citizens of the United States.
The right of the people to change their government as they see fit drew direct contrast between the United States government and the government of old. No longer does the government tell the people what to do and expect the people to be happy about it – now the people tell the government what to do and the government will obey because the government is the people, and the people are the government.
This quote should be known to every American – no American should feel helpless at the behest of the government, because it is their right as endowed by the Founding Fathers to change their government as they see fit if it is infringing on their protection, their safety, their prosperity, or their happiness.
