Las Colinas students win essay contest
Addressed topic of whether U.S. presidents should be native-born citizens

Amy Carr and Joey Sander, students at Las Colinas Middle School, were named winners in the Camarillo Republican Women's Club essay contest with the theme "Should the President be a native-born American?" The contest was open to Camarillo eighthgraders.

Amy won first place for her essay on James Madison's ideas concerning the qualifications of all would-be presidents. She wrote that prior to making important decisions, "the mind usually reverts to customs, opinions and beliefs that it was accustomed to through life in one's early years in their home country." She believes that for this reason the position of president should go to a native-born American.

Amy is the daughter of Tom and Robin Carr.

Joey Sander's essay took second place. He presented Madison's position that the president should be a native-born American, so that the person "who has the most influence over the American military, the American President, understands that freedom is our most valued treasure."

Joey is the son of Glenn and Karen Sander.

In addition to a cash prize, the winners were honored at the club's Nov. 26 luncheon at the Sterling Hills Golf Club.