Burton "Sarge" Showers Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Hannah Levsky 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 citizenship, capitalism and history matter, is funded by donor Ed Rogan. This year, the award went to Class of 2025 graduate Hannah Levsky. 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. and drive innovation, competition and national progress. During the Cold War, the United States was in a technological competition with the Soviet Union, a race that tested the strengths of two vastly different political and economic systems. The US was propelled forward by democratic values and a capitalist economy, and when they ultimately won it proved that freedom, competition, and private enterprise can push humanity to new limits. And beyond geopolitical and technological victories the space race had positive effects on American Society, inspired generations, created jobs and advanced scientific progress. Democracy plays an important role in shaping space policy. Unlike the Soviet Union whose government operated in secrecy, the US conducted much of the space program in the public eye. Citizens had access to info and journalists covered NASA's progress, while Congress debated budgets and policies. This transparency held NASA accountable and ensured P space exploration reflected the interests of the people. and when we finally made it to the moon, the American people were able He was highly involved in Student Council to watch from the TVs. across the state of Illinois. As a child, NASA and especially the space race intrigued me; I wanted to be a part of that moving machine of innovation, dreams and perseverance. I was impressed by the determination that got us to the moon. The space race is a clear demonstration of how democracy and capitalism can inspire The Cold War had lasting benefits for the American public, particularly in the areas of education and job creation, along with technological advancements. The push to land on the moon, led the US government investing in STEM programs, ensuring that the generations have skills necessary to compete in a technological world. This investment in education expanded the workforce and helped the US maintain leadership in science and technology. But perhaps most importantly the space race inspired a sense of unity. The Apollo 11 moon landing was seen as a moment of National pride, proving that democracy and capitalism could prove what once seemed impossible. The sense of collective achievement strengthened American identity and showed the power of free societies to push the boundaries of human achievement. And that is what inspires me the most inside of my community, knowing we can work together to achieve a goal with determination and perseverance. When there is a goal my community is working towards, such as cleaning a park or ensuring community members have access to needs, we come together to ensure the goals are met through community initiatives like food and clothing drives and volunteer days at the local elementary schools. The American space race was more than a contest between two superpowers-it was a test of political and economic philosophies. It inspired generations, advanced technology and proved that freedom and competition are essential to progress and brought together the American people. And through Democracy and capitalism and collaboration the US proved that with flexibility, innovation, and drive to succeed, they could even land on the moon. Burton " Sarge " Showers Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Hannah Levsky 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 citizenship , capitalism and history matter , is funded by donor Ed Rogan . This year , the award went to Class of 2025 graduate Hannah Levsky . 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 . and drive innovation , competition and national progress . During the Cold War , the United States was in a technological competition with the Soviet Union , a race that tested the strengths of two vastly different political and economic systems . The US was propelled forward by democratic values and a capitalist economy , and when they ultimately won it proved that freedom , competition , and private enterprise can push humanity to new limits . And beyond geopolitical and technological victories the space race had positive effects on American Society , inspired generations , created jobs and advanced scientific progress . Democracy plays an important role in shaping space policy . Unlike the Soviet Union whose government operated in secrecy , the US conducted much of the space program in the public eye . Citizens had access to info and journalists covered NASA's progress , while Congress debated budgets and policies . This transparency held NASA accountable and ensured P space exploration reflected the interests of the people . and when we finally made it to the moon , the American people were able He was highly involved in Student Council to watch from the TVs . across the state of Illinois . As a child , NASA and especially the space race intrigued me ; I wanted to be a part of that moving machine of innovation , dreams and perseverance . I was impressed by the determination that got us to the moon . The space race is a clear demonstration of how democracy and capitalism can inspire The Cold War had lasting benefits for the American public , particularly in the areas of education and job creation , along with technological advancements . The push to land on the moon , led the US government investing in STEM programs , ensuring that the generations have skills necessary to compete in a technological world . This investment in education expanded the workforce and helped the US maintain leadership in science and technology . But perhaps most importantly the space race inspired a sense of unity . The Apollo 11 moon landing was seen as a moment of National pride , proving that democracy and capitalism could prove what once seemed impossible . The sense of collective achievement strengthened American identity and showed the power of free societies to push the boundaries of human achievement . And that is what inspires me the most inside of my community , knowing we can work together to achieve a goal with determination and perseverance . When there is a goal my community is working towards , such as cleaning a park or ensuring community members have access to needs , we come together to ensure the goals are met through community initiatives like food and clothing drives and volunteer days at the local elementary schools . The American space race was more than a contest between two superpowers - it was a test of political and economic philosophies . It inspired generations , advanced technology and proved that freedom and competition are essential to progress and brought together the American people . And through Democracy and capitalism and collaboration the US proved that with flexibility , innovation , and drive to succeed , they could even land on the moon .