National radio host and best-selling author Michael Savage announced Thursday the five winners of his essay contest based on the question "What Does It Mean to Be an American?" The college students will each receive a $20,000 scholarship over a two-year period.
The winners, announced on The Savage Nation radio show and selected from approximately 1,700 entries, are Alex Peterson, "Obscured Resilience;" James Lutack, "Dreams;" Heather Fisher, "What It Means to Be American;" Curtis Butterfield, "Evil Despises Competition;" and Mark Bragg, whose entry was untitled.
The essayists honored the principles America was built upon and discussed the country's past, present, and future.
"I declare myself to be a part of this new generation that will lead by example and reignite the torch of American greatness so that every eye from every corner of the earth might be able to see the light of liberty shining from America again," wrote Lutack in his essay.
Savage launched the unprecedented $100,000 scholarship fund in early 2015 with the intention of promoting traditional American values among conservative college students.
"I hope to continue this scholarship program next year," said Savage. "There are so many deserving patriotic students who have been silenced by anti-American rhetoric at U.S. colleges. Hopefully these scholarships will encourage others to stand up for America."
Savage is a multimedia icon in the conservative movement, heard by millions of listeners a week on The Savage Nation and syndicated across the U.S. in more than 300 markets. He is also the author of 25 books, including six New York Times best sellers.
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