- December 4, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
William Scott, already had retired as a U.S. Army sergeant at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
It took him two days to reenlist, to return to his unit, and soon after to be deployed to Iraq.
He went on to serve in the military for 26 years.
His devotion to duty inspired his daughter, Lakewood Ranch High senior Kylie Scott, to strengthen her beliefs in freedom and patriotism.
“To me, that moment (reenlisting) shows exactly what the Constitution means," Kylie Scott said. "Selfless sacrifice, a willingness to defend our freedoms, even after already having served, and the courage to stand up against those who threaten our country.”
Scott, along with two other Lakewood Ranch High School seniors Zachariah Kersey and Chloe Drapak, entered and won awards in the Rotary Club of Bradenton’s essay contest on what the Constitution means to them.
The essays had to be 800-1,200 words and the writers were instructed to use at least three sources besides the Constitution itself. Scott placed first and won $1,500, while Kersey was second for a $750 award, and Drapak collected $500 for third place. They were honored at Pier 22 on Sept. 22.
Kylie Scott’s father is not the only military member in her family to serve with U.S. military. Her grandfather Oliver Scott, uncle Robert Scott, and two cousins, John and Jamie Scott, also pursued the same path.
“Instead of being just a historic document behind glass, the Constitution has always felt like the reason my family members put on the uniform,” Scott said.
She said her family member’s experiences connects them.
“That promise, to protect the freedoms guaranteed to every American, connects them across decades, countries, and conflicts,” Scott said. “It shows me that while the challenges America faces may change, the duty to uphold liberty and democracy stays the same. That unbroken chain of service is what makes the Constitution feel alive.”
She wants to carry that same spirit of service forward, whether it be as a nurse or perhaps even enlisting herself.
“Nursing is about selflessness and sacrifice, too, just like the military,” Scott said. “It requires compassion, courage, and a willingness to put others first. One day, I might even enlist as a nurse or combat medic, blending both paths together. Whether in a hospital or on a deployment, I see nursing as my way of honoring the Constitution’s promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by making sure people have the chance to live healthy and fulfilling lives.”
Zachariah Kersey also comes from a military family — his parents, Angel and Charles Kersey, served 22 and 25 years, respectively, in the Army. While he takes influence from values they gained through the military, Kersey took a different approach to the essay. He focused on freedom of speech and thoughts for young people, especially students.
Kersey said he feels as though society puts pressure on kids to “lay low” and not share their opinions until they are adults. He said it's important for young people, especially students, to explore and express their opinions in their developmental years.
His mom, Angel Kersey, has always told him to form his own opinions and not rely on others’ perceptions. Kersey said he is not being rebellious when he disagrees with something. He is practicing civic responsibility that is demanded by the Constitution.
“Independent thought is not always so clean-cut, it requires questioning and responsibility,” Kersey said. “In the digital age, where information spreads quickly regardless of its truthfulness, it requires everyone to think for themselves, whether they are an adult or student. To me, the Constitution is not just a document written centuries ago by a group of old men, but the provider of what I believe to be one of the most important freedoms: the freedom to think for myself.”
Drapak said she approached the essay from a feminist angle, as an “All-American girl” today.
She said that means knowing the Constitution applies to everyone regardless of gender, race or background. She said protection from gender-based violence, underrepresentation in leadership, and unequal pay are relevant issues.
“As a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, the Constitution is a mirror reflecting both the progress we’ve made and the gaps that still exist,” Drapak said. “It’s a reminder of where we come from, and a challenge to help decide where we as a society are going.”
Scott, Kersey and Drapak all applied to the contest through their AP government class with teacher Benjamin Hall. Hall said he assigned it during the first week of school, so he gives credit for their work to the teachers the trio had before him. He said the students’ success is a testament of the quality teaching and academic rigor at Lakewood Ranch High School.
Hall said Kersey is heavily involved with technology, Scott is into varsity sports and Drapak is in the journalism and "artsy creative realm."
“They all kind of represent the different things that we have going on here that make us an important part of the East County community,” Hall said.
