2009-2010 First Place Winner –Danny Roza (Mercersburg Academy)
“Compassion in the Roots of Religion”

David, my twin brother, and I were born on February 18th, 1993.  Our sisters, seven years older than us and twins themselves, were delighted to share their little brothers.  In elementary school, I developed a thirst for reading and learning, while dabbling in sports such as soccer, tennis, swimming, and Tae Kwando.  I am now a junior at Mercersburg Academy where I am president of Mercersburg’s Model United Nations and editor-in-chief of the school’s weekly newspaper.  One of my favorite classes is Chinese.  I have taken Chinese throughout high school, and have participated in one language camp in China, and another in Massachusetts. 

Essay Abstract: Before researching for the essay competition, I thought that the three Abrahamic traditions taught very different interpretations of compassion.  However, I now understand that all three religions teach similar interpretations of compassion.  I realized that, although there are great differences between Christians, Jews and Muslims, the differences between the fundamental core values of each religion are negligible. 

My compassion reflection:  Understanding leads to respect and acceptance.  Acceptance leads to empathy and action.  Judicious action leads to peace. 

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