2000 Winner, Kaitlin M Young

If it weren’t for immigration, the diversity in me

I might be a Who-not on my family tree.

English, Irish, Dutch, American Indian too

Italian ancestry in the mix, a family tree in bloom.

America welcomed my ancestors-a promise to be free

Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty are symbols dear to me.

Our country’s promise, the freedom to worship here

Practice our family customs and belief we hold dear.

The promise of America rings throughout me

The Torch of Freedom helped shape my family tree.

My Grandmas and Grandpas are from here and there

So when Mom married Dad, I came from everywhere.

I eat different foods from across the world

Irish stew, potatoes and pasta that is curled.

Salmon steak, pot roast and Dutch Apple pie

Egg rolls, pizza, a menu diversified.

Soccer, Bocce Ball, and Cricket too.

Without immigration, you might not play the sports you do.

Without immigration what would you hear?

The same old sounds filling your ear.

If it were not for immigration, what would we see?

All the leaves the same on my family tree.

That is why I am so happy for diversity,

Because of Immigration - - I am me!