In celebration of the Madison County Bicentennial, First Citizens Bank & Trust of Madison County and the Bicentennial Committee commissioned an essay contest asking Madison County Middle School and High School students what their favorite thing about the County is.
Sam Marcotte, a senior at Madison County High School, was chosen as the winner of his respective division and received a savings bond from First Citizens and a certificate of recognition from the Bicentennial Committee, Chairman and County Commissioners. Please read Sam Marcotte’s winning essay below:
The smell of boiled peanuts as I watch the Red Raiders on the gridiron. Sitting down at Zeb’s, enjoying a barbeque sandwich and catching up with my grandparents. Throwing around a Frisbee on the freshly trimmed grass of the rec department. Feeling the hot, summer sun on my skin as I jump into the cool water of the lake. This is Madison County. How can I choose only one thing as my favorite aspect of this county, of my home? If I were forced to choose, I would pick something much less tangible. I would choose the safety I feel here. Every night I lay down to sleep in my Danielsville home, and I sleep well. I sleep peacefully, without fear of robbery or any other danger. I know for a fact that I am safe here. Not only do I feel physical security, but mental and emotional security as well. Every face is familiar. I cannot go to the store or the bank without seeing someone I went to school with or someone who knows my grandpa. “You Paul Bond’s grandbaby?” they say. I respond proudly that I am, indeed, his grandson. Whenever I venture forth into the county I am certain that I am in the greatest company in the world. The rolling green hills stand guard over me and over all of Madison County. At night, they block the rest of the world out, leaving me and my family in peace.
As I prepare to attend college and leave Madison County behind for a time, my mood is bittersweet. I am excited for the fun times and unforgettable moments imminent in college, but I am also sad to leave my treasured home behind. But it will never truly be left behind—the lush pastures of Madison County, GA will forever remain in my heart, no matter where I go. No experience, person, or place can ever remove from me the home of my youth and the strong foundation that I have laid because of my upbringing. I am the boy I am today because of Madison County, and I will not soon forget that.
For more information regarding the Madison County Bicentennial, please visit www.madisoncountyga.us and click on the Madison County Bicentennial events page.
SPECIAL THANKS:
The Madison County Bicentennial Committee would like to extend sincere thanks to First Citizens Bank & Trust for its generous sponsorship of the Bicentennial essay contest and its community-wide support of all Madison County Bicentennial events.
— By Luanne Byrd, Madison County Bicentennial Committee
