An Everett High School sophomore has written an award-winning essay that examines two monumental journeys that occurred 400 years apart — Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the new world and Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight across the Atlantic.
Unglid Paul’s essay, which was selected from a pool of more than 100 local entries, was submitted to the annual Christopher Columbus Essay Contest co-sponsored by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). State winners will be announced this spring, and one national winner will receive a $1,200 prize and a free trip to Washington to read the essay at the Columbus Day event in our nation’s capitol.
Students were asked to discuss the similarities and differences between the two voyages, paying special attention to how the 400 years between the accomplishments impacted what each man hoped to achieve. Students were asked to image the challenges they faced and to describe the skills essential to their success.
Paul’s compelling essay highlights both men’s personal curiosity to discover something new, as well as their ability to defy expectations and spark revolutions that led to further discoveries, journeys, and overall progress.