Eager to share her energy, Courtney Lawson has found numerous outlets through which to express herself.Music, exercise and writing are just a few of those avenues that have allowed the Wright City junior to display her creativity.Recently, that passion for writing coupled with her patriotic spirit helped Lawson win the American Legion Americanism Essay Contest for a second consecutive year.The writing project was no ordinary assignment for the step-daughter of an Army sergeant, whose family proudly displays its love for America.Lawson has long enjoyed writing about numerous topics, as well as reading mystery and romance novels.When not relaying her talents through a pen, she can often be found playing the flute. As a member of Wright City’s decorated concert, marching and pep bands, Lawson has mastered the instrument since she began playing in fourth grade.At that time she was a student at First Baptist Christian Academy in O’Fallon before making the move to Wright City in sixth grade.As a high school student, she played volleyball for two seasons before devoting her focus to running. Lawson has excelled in both cross country and track since, becoming a valuable member of the Wildcats’ distance relay team.She juggles those athletic commitments with a plethora of academic accomplishments, including being a member of National Honor Society and A+ student.Lawson aspires to attend Fontbonne University, pursuing a degree in sign language while running at the collegiate level.Q: What encouraged you to participate in the essay contest?“My stepdad has told me multiple stories about different things that happened in the service. My family is very passionate about it. We decorate everything with the flag, and our favorite songs are about America.”Q: What have your enjoyed about band?“The band here is like a giant, dysfunctional family. We’re all here for each other. It’s like my home away from home. I can count on anyone of them to be there for me, and I would do the same for them.”Q: What motivates you to write?“I love to write. I’m a very opinionated person, so if it has anything to do with arguing a side, I love to write about it.”Q: What inspires you to run?“Running has always been my way to get out of the house and express myself. I run when I’m sad, happy or angry. I’m able to let my emotions out when I run and feel independent, like nothing can hold me back.”Q: What do you do outside of school?“Outside of school I help out on my grandpa’s farm, and he gives me extra spending money.”Q: If you could meet anyone, who would you choose?“I would probably want to meet Carrie Underwood. I would ask her what inspires her.”Q: What have been your greatest accomplishments?“Last year getting an amazing time in my two mile for districts, as well as recently finding out I won the essay contest for a second year in a row.”Q: What enticed you to pursue a career in sign language?“I’m a very social person. I love to talk, so that’s a job that I can constantly be talking in. I love to work with children, so working in a school setting would be a fun environment.”Q: How would you describe yourself?“If I had to describe myself in one statement, I would say it’s that I don’t let others dictate me. I follow my heart.”Favorite Food: “Spaghetti.”Favorite Restaurant: “Max & Erma’s.”Favorite TV Show: “Once Upon a Time.”Favorite Movie: “The Notebook.”Favorite Song: “Wanted.”Sponsored by First State Community Bank.Courtney Lawson