Burton "Sarge" Showers Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Mahek Acharya! Annually, the District 211 Foundation awards a postsecondary scholarship to a Palatine High School graduating senior honoring the legacy of Burton "Sarge" Showers. The Memorial Scholarship, which requires an essay on why democracy and history matter, is funded by generous donors. This year, the award went to Class of 2025 graduate Mahek Acharya. Her essay is printed below as part of the honor of receiving the award, again funded by donors. Showers was a World War II veteran who became a Palatine High School history teacher. When the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, he developed and taught the first Russian History course at Palatine. He later became Social Studies Department Chair and Activity Director. He was highly involved in Student Council across the state of Illinois. Throughout my high school career, I've gained awareness of that impact that democracy, capitalism and history have had. The first event that opened my eyes to this was none other than high school debate Capitalism incentives innovation, which practice. My sophomore year, I was one of the youngest on the varsity team. As the upperclassman led discussions and conducted topic breakdown, I saw how democracy thrived on a smaller scale. The captains leveraged everyone's ideas, while also ensuring that each individual was heard. Even though I had less experience than everyone else, they used my ideas and I was able to witness the fruits of my efforts. I started to notice parallels between leadership on a smaller scale and our nation. After all, this country was founded on the basis where the power comes from the people. Every citizen is given a voice in order to help shape our nation. Democracy allows us to keep our individual freedoms, while also upholding the laws of the government. Throughout our school and extracurricular activities, participation of all students is always encouraged in order to have stability in our leadership positions. Strong leadership is built on collaboration, not just one person. When I took on the role of debate captain my junior year, I always made sure to include and prioritize everyone's perspectives to foster a strong team. Driven by listening's far-reaching effects, I always make a conscious effort to listen to others. Democracy is truly the cornerstone of our society. However, capitalism is the driving force behind this. drives our progress as a community. From the Industrial Revolution to the rise in technology, capitalism has created jobs and lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As one who is majoring in economics, I understand the importance of capitalism in our day-to-day life. Especially for the freedom of those who are financially underprivileged. With my collegiate education, I plan on making resources more available, therefore creating a societal impact with my newfound knowledge. The fundamental aspect of everything though is the background of United States history. By studying U.S. History, we can see how even after the Sputnik was launched, the Explorer was next. Past that, history allows us to learn from past mistakes. The horrors of WWII is just one example of this, as we can learn how to stop tragedies like that from happening. U.S. History is more than just documents, but instead a guide to help build a better tomorrow. There will always be challenges like economic inequality throughout this nation. However, through the core values of democracy, capitalism and history, we can help further society as a whole. As a Sarge Showers Scholar, I am committed to unite with others to transform my education into action and help shape an economically accessible future for others. Burton " Sarge " Showers Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Mahek Acharya ! Annually , the District 211 Foundation awards a postsecondary scholarship to a Palatine High School graduating senior honoring the legacy of Burton " Sarge " Showers . The Memorial Scholarship , which requires an essay on why democracy and history matter , is funded by generous donors . This year , the award went to Class of 2025 graduate Mahek Acharya . Her essay is printed below as part of the honor of receiving the award , again funded by donors . Showers was a World War II veteran who became a Palatine High School history teacher . When the Soviet Union launched Sputnik , he developed and taught the first Russian History course at Palatine . He later became Social Studies Department Chair and Activity Director . He was highly involved in Student Council across the state of Illinois . Throughout my high school career , I've gained awareness of that impact that democracy , capitalism and history have had . The first event that opened my eyes to this was none other than high school debate Capitalism incentives innovation , which practice . My sophomore year , I was one of the youngest on the varsity team . As the upperclassman led discussions and conducted topic breakdown , I saw how democracy thrived on a smaller scale . The captains leveraged everyone's ideas , while also ensuring that each individual was heard . Even though I had less experience than everyone else , they used my ideas and I was able to witness the fruits of my efforts . I started to notice parallels between leadership on a smaller scale and our nation . After all , this country was founded on the basis where the power comes from the people . Every citizen is given a voice in order to help shape our nation . Democracy allows us to keep our individual freedoms , while also upholding the laws of the government . Throughout our school and extracurricular activities , participation of all students is always encouraged in order to have stability in our leadership positions . Strong leadership is built on collaboration , not just one person . When I took on the role of debate captain my junior year , I always made sure to include and prioritize everyone's perspectives to foster a strong team . Driven by listening's far - reaching effects , I always make a conscious effort to listen to others . Democracy is truly the cornerstone of our society . However , capitalism is the driving force behind this . drives our progress as a community . From the Industrial Revolution to the rise in technology , capitalism has created jobs and lifted millions of Americans out of poverty . As one who is majoring in economics , I understand the importance of capitalism in our day - to - day life . Especially for the freedom of those who are financially underprivileged . With my collegiate education , I plan on making resources more available , therefore creating a societal impact with my newfound knowledge . The fundamental aspect of everything though is the background of United States history . By studying U.S. History , we can see how even after the Sputnik was launched , the Explorer was next . Past that , history allows us to learn from past mistakes . The horrors of WWII is just one example of this , as we can learn how to stop tragedies like that from happening . U.S. History is more than just documents , but instead a guide to help build a better tomorrow . There will always be challenges like economic inequality throughout this nation . However , through the core values of democracy , capitalism and history , we can help further society as a whole . As a Sarge Showers Scholar , I am committed to unite with others to transform my education into action and help shape an economically accessible future for others .