STUDENT WINS OPTIMIST CONTEST.

Byline: R.A. Hutchinson Daily News Staff Writer

Arguing that freedom is as necessary to humans as water, Michael Gardner wrote a winning essay that encourages Americans to be thankful for the freedom to count their blessings.

Gardner, a 16-year-old junior at Westlake High School, wrote the paper on "Freedom: A Right or a Privilege?" as an assignment for a history class. The essay was entered, along with 347 other papers, in an annual contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Westlake Village.

"Basically, it was like a class assignment. We had discussed in class what it would be like to not have freedom," Gardner said. "We (in the United States) consider freedom to be a right."

A panel of judges awarded Gardner's essay first place. Runners-up were Ronald Scrofono, 16, of Thousand Oaks in second place and Mark Schwartzman, 16, of Westlake Village in third place.

Gardner's roughly 400-word essay denounces U.S. citizens who have become complacent about their rights, particularly freedom. Gardner reminds Americans that the United States was founded on the principle of freedom for all citizens.

"It should be realized by the blind citizens of a free nation that freedom is a right they are privileged enough to have. It is not everyone that is fortuitous enough to be conceived in a nation of liberty," Gardner wrote.

Gardner said he enjoys writing, particularly short stories on controversial issues. He plans to attend college and earn credentials to be a university history professor.

Sue Lepisto, assistant principal at Taft High School in Woodland Hills and one of the judges for the contest, said she was impressed with Gardner's heartfelt prose.

"His style seemed to be the most effective style and the most emotionally effective style," Lepisto said. "It is an emotional issue. It is not a cut-and-dried issue. His (essay) did stick with me."

Lepisto said the essays were judged on organization, material, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling and content.

As winner of the contest, Gardner received a certificate and a medal from the Optimists Club. His essay also became eligible for a zonewide contest, although he did not win at that level.

Gordon Durich, publicity chairman for the Westlake Village club, said the Optimists sponsor the annual contest as a way to challenge local youths and live up to the club's motto, "Friend of Youth." He said he was impressed by the quality of the entries and the "depth and words written by these 16-year-olds."

"I think the contest helps them open up and become aware of issues. It gives them a better feeling about themselves, of thinking about where they're going," Durich said.

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Photo (color in CONEJO edition only) Westlake High School student Michael Gardner encourages U.S. citizens to appreciate their freedom in his essay. Tina Gerson/Daily News