The ATS Youth Activities Committee congratulates the following Junior Members who entered the 100^th Anniversary Essay Contest.  Each member will receive $25 for their fine efforts writing why they are proud of their Transylvanian Saxon heritage.  We know that you will enjoy reading their thoughts:

Why I am Proud of my Transylvanian Saxon Heritage
by Lorena Schmidt, age 8
Member of Branch 34 Cleveland

 I am proud of my Transylvanian Saxon heritage because Saxons have a long, rich history.  They adapt well to new places, but still keep old traditions strong.  One tradition is taking care of and helping each other.  Saxons continue to do this even today.

Although I live in America, I'm glad that my past is still alive.  I think it's good that Saxons in this part of the country maintain their heritage by caring for one another here and all over the world.  I am proud to be a Transylvanian Saxon.

Saxon Traditions
by Alexandra Kraftt, age 9
Member of 7 Farrell

 I'm proud of my family for being Transylvanian Saxons because not only was my Dad a Transylvanian Saxon, but after talking to my Mom, I found out that she is one, too.

My grandma goes to all of the Transylvanian Saxon meetings and clubs.  They make me proud because they participate and are very active.

Dad always says, "The Saxons are known to be honest, hard-working, and trustworthy."

Grandma, Grandpa and Dad like to make the Saxon sausage together.  When my grandparents, aunts and uncles get together they like to eat, drink, sing songs, and tell jokes so that seems to be a Saxon tradition.

I'm proud of my family and ancestors and since they were Transylvanian Saxons I am proud to be one, too!

Why I am Proud to Be a Saxon
By Jamie Finzel, age 12
Member of Branch 7 Farrell

I am proud to be a Saxon for many reasons, mostly because of my grandparents' Saxon background.  Saxon is not only their heritage, but also mine.  To be a true Saxon doesn't mean to be pureblooded, but to be full-hearted.  My grandparents and many other elder Saxons have taught me many valuable lessons about life.  They have also helped me make great memories such as: serving at the "250 Club" dinners and watching generations of Saxons making great sausage.  Going to Saxon summer camp with my cousin, dressing up in ethnic clothes, and learning traditional dances made me feel like a true Saxon.  So the next time someone asks me about myself, I will proudly reply, " I am a Saxon!"

My Saxon Heritage
by Briana Harris, age 8
Member of Branch 22 Youngstown

 I am proud of my Transylvanian Saxon Heritage because it's in my blood.  I am proud I'm with my Saxon Family. I am proud, so proud because I am with the people I love.  Even if I don't know them all, doesn't mean I can't love them.  When I think about being German I feel strong.  My Grandpa tells me to have a good sense of humor, and laugh about things.  Because part of my ancestors are German, means I like that.  God made me a special person, and he also loves me, because I am German.              

Why I am Proud of My Transylvanian Saxon Heritage
By Katie Hermann, age 14
Member of Branch 4 Cleveland

 I am proud to be a Transylvanian Saxon, because we have upheld our German heritage for many centuries.  When the Saxons moved into Transylvania 850 years ago, they never forgot where they came from.  They continued to speak German in their homes, churches, and towns.  Being proud of their heritage, they preserved their native culture, and stuck together.  It was our own Saxon ancestors, with their strong sense of unity, who helped defend the Holy Roman Empire from invasion.  For a century, the ATS has preserved our Saxon Heritage in America, which I am proud to be a part of.

Why I am Proud to Be a Saxon
By Andy Finzel, age 15
Member of Branch 7 Farrell

I am proud of my Saxon heritage for many reasons by especially since my grandparents, whom I love and admire, are Saxons.

I enjoy going to the Saxon Club in Farrell to help make sausage.  Not only am I the "runner", but I'm finally learning how to mix from the people that have been doing it for years.  Mostly, I enjoy listening to stories about the "Old Times."

My great grandparents were all born in Austria-Hungary.  They came to America for a better life.  My ancestors were hard working and honest people with a strong faith in God.  I hope I will develop these same traits and will pass them on to the next generation!

Why I Proud of my Transylvanian Saxon Heritage
By Cameron Schmidt, are 13
Member of Branch 33 Cleveland 

Everyone has a heritage.  Mine is Transylvanian-Saxon and I'm proud of it.  What make me proud of my heritage?  There are many answers to this question.

One answer is that my heritage is full of interesting and exciting events.  One of these events occurred in 1482a.d.

The Saxons were safe inside the fort of Rosenau but the Turks were coming their way!  The Turks surrounded the fort and drilled holes in all the Saxon's water barrels and the well was dry. But against all odds they found another well.  Discouraged, the Turks retreated.

I'm proud of my heritage and its glorious past!

Why I am Proud of My Transylvanian Saxon Heritage
By Daniel Krestel-Suts, age 15
Member of Branch 33 Cleveland

 There are many reasons for me to be proud of my Transylvanian Saxons Heritage, but my favorite is "gastronomical."

After the Saxon League Bowling, we stay for the dinner.  I can count on the Saxon Ladies having cooked an excellent meal of goulash, schnitzel, or rouladen.  The different Branches make their homemade wurst and the smell makes my mouth water.  Chicken with palukes followed by krapfen or plum hunklich is my favorite meal.

The aroma emanating from Oma's kitchen brings smiles to all who enter and fills me with pride when I say," Wait till you taste that Siebenbürger cuisine."

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Last modified: March 02, 2006