My name is Serenity Mendenhall (Kennedy), I am from the small town of Chillicothe, OH. Growing up in this small diverse town has taught and shown me many things. As an American, I am proud of the values and freedoms that our country stands for. Our history is filled with stories of brave men and women who fought to secure these values and protect our way of life. I am proud to live in a country where I have the freedom to express my opinions without fear of persecution. Our melting pot culture has allowed us to create a unique identity that is both inclusive and welcoming. We have shown time and again that we are strong when we stand united. Being an American means more than just living in this great country; it means embracing the values that make us who we are. I am proud to be an American because I believe in the promise of our nation and the potential for a better tomorrow. The national media doesn’t focus on the benefits of our freedoms, but on the dangers or abuses that result from these freedoms. It’s the freedoms we hold dear that allow individuals and groups to cause acts that offend and sometimes harm others. I choose to remember the countless lives that have been lost so I can have the freedoms I celebrate. I don’t believe one of these proud men and women died or suffered an injury in vain. Because of their commitment to this land called America, I can stand on their shoulders today and live free. Today there are heroes among us in our communities who continue to serve us. I don’t ever want to forget the men and women who have sacrificed to make America what it is today. I’m grateful for their service and their selfless giving. Today we enjoy the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom from unlawful search and seizures, the right to a trial by a jury of our peers, the right to due process, and the list goes on. These are all freedoms our country created over 200 years ago. It was a novel concept then and it remains intact today. I understand there are injustices regularly occurring, but there’s injustice in every country that has ever existed. Injustice will always arise when you have imperfect people governing imperfect people. Our country has many issues that need to be addressed. It is a long way from perfect. But our foundation is correct. Less than 5% of the world has the opportunity to live here. And I do see it as an opportunity. Small cities often get overlooked when it comes to development and progress. However, with the right mindset and effort, even a small forgotten city can be transformed into a thriving community. Helping change a small forgotten city requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to collaborate with others. One way to help change a small forgotten city is by investing in its infrastructure. Another important aspect of helping change a small city is by encouraging community involvement. This could include organizing events that bring people together or starting local initiatives that address specific issues facing the community. Ultimately, helping change a small forgotten city requires patience and persistence. It may take time to see tangible results but with consistent effort and collaboration between residents and local leaders, positive changes can be made. By investing in the future of these communities, we can help create brighter futures for all who call them home.

My name is Serenity Kennedy, I am a senior at Chillicothe High School. My great-grandmother raised me from 6 days old to 11 years old. Throughout those 11 years, I was with her, my biological mother was in and out of the picture. My dad was never really around, he didn't want to be. From ages 6-11 my mother trafficked me in unimaginable ways. I never told anyone about it, I thought that I was helping her, being a good daughter. I now realize that it was a toxic cycle, and completely unacceptable. I will never forgive her for the things that she forced me to do. Swallowing drugs, performing sexual acts, stealing, lying, and worst of all, injecting drugs in me. She would do that to make sure that it wasn't laced. Now I understand that she did not care about me at all, only about herself. Luckily, none of the drugs she gave me were laced or I wouldn't be here today sharing my story. Every drug in the book is most likely everything that was put in me. At age 13, I attempted suicide for the first time, On January 10th, 2019, my brother's first birthday. I had come home from having a very rough day at school and I don't really remember much after that. It was a month after I was raped by a senior (now graduated). He was the star quarterback, who got away with everything. Nobody really believed me, no one cared how I was feeling or healing in this situation. Everyone believed him, I think that is why I lost control of myself. I only recently shared my story with my adoptive mom, I was ashamed to tell anyone. I didn't want to be blamed, I didn't want people to pity me, I didn't want to be looked at differently, and I didn't want it to define me. I worked too hard to be where I am today, to be defined by my past or my mother's actions. I am now going to the college of my dreams, to continue playing the sport that I love. Surrounding myself with people who genuinely care about me, and support me through everything that I do has played a huge part in my growth as a person. My adoptive mother has been so supportive throughout my entire journey and has loved me unconditionally. I think that her being a counselor has played a big part in that. My relationship with God has grown as I continue to learn how to love myself and others the right way. I am thankful for every opportunity that I have to share my story, and help others.

My name is Serenity Kennedy, I am a senior at Chillicothe High School. My great-grandmother raised me from 6 days old to 11 years old. Throughout those 11 years, I was with her, my biological mother was in and out of the picture. My dad was never really around, he didn't want to be. From ages 6-11 my mother trafficked me in unimaginable ways. I never told anyone about it, I thought that I was helping her, being a good daughter. I now realize that it was a toxic cycle, and completely unacceptable. I will never forgive her for the things that she forced me to do. Swallowing drugs, performing sexual acts, stealing, lying, and worst of all, injecting drugs in me. She would do that to make sure that it wasn't laced. Now I understand that she did not care about me at all, only about herself. Luckily, none of the drugs she gave me were laced or I wouldn't be here today sharing my story. Every drug in the book is most likely everything that was put in me. At age 13, I attempted suicide for the first time, On January 10th, 2019, my brother's first birthday. I had come home from having a very rough day at school and I don't really remember much after that. It was a month after I was raped by a senior (now graduated). He was the star quarterback, who got away with everything. Nobody really believed me, no one cared how I was feeling or healing in this situation. Everyone believed him, I think that is why I lost control of myself. I only recently shared my story with my adoptive mom, I was ashamed to tell anyone. I didn't want to be blamed, I didn't want people to pity me, I didn't want to be looked at differently, and I didn't want it to define me. I worked too hard to be where I am today, to be defined by my past or my mother's actions. I am now going to the college of my dreams, to continue playing the sport that I love. Surrounding myself with people who genuinely care about me, and support me through everything that I do has played a huge part in my growth as a person. My adoptive mother has been so supportive throughout my entire journey and has loved me unconditionally. I think that her being a counselor has played a big part in that. My relationship with God has grown as I continue to learn how to love myself and others the right way. I am thankful for every opportunity that I have to share my story, and help others.