Martin Luther once famously said, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” That is exactly what 14-year-old, Rapid City student Ellie Koenig aims to accomplish.
Ellie participated in the 2026 National Civics Bee, hosted by Elevate Rapid City (Elevate) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The National Civics Bee encourages sixth, seventh and eighth graders to engage in civics and contribute to improving their communities. Finalists not only win recognition and a cash prize, but also are invited to Washington, DC to compete in the national championship this fall.
After learning about CHS from her mom, CHS Board Chair Amy Koenig, Ellie knew that she wanted to focus her essay on creating a world where all children feel safe, cared for and valued. In her essay, she pitched ideas that would help CHS kids, including local businesses donating supplies, community centers hosting different types of workshops, students starting support groups, volunteers making calming kits, and community members simply writing children at CHS kind notes.
“When different parts of the community come together, we create a network of care. That’s how we make real change, by showing them that they are valued and never alone,” wrote Ellie. “With kindness, better resources, and understanding, we can give these kids the stability and confidence they deserve to thrive.”
On April 18, Ellie and her mom attended the Civics Bee, where Elevate presented three lucky winners with awards. We are excited to share that Ellie took home second place and will continue on in the competition. You can read her essay below.
Every Child Deserves a Chance
In my community, kids in care face serious mental health challenges that often go unnoticed or untreated. Many have been through trauma, loss, and constant changes. Because of that, they might struggle with anxiety, depression, or trusting others. They don’t always have someone to talk to or a safe space to just be themselves. It’s hard for them to feel like they belong anywhere. That kind of isolation can really affect their confidence and how they see their future. Without support, it’s easy for them to feel forgotten. That’s why this matters. Every child should feel safe, cared for, and valued. They deserve the tools and support to heal, grow, and thrive.
Fixing this isn’t something one person can do alone, it takes a whole community. Groups like the Children’s Home Society already do amazing work, but there’s room to do even more. Therapists could lead group sessions to help kids process what they’ve been through. Schools and youth centers could create safe spaces where kids feel supported and understood. We can also spread awareness through social media, school events, and community programs so more people know what these kids are facing. Volunteers could make calming kits with journals, sensory items, and kind messages to show kids they’re not alone. Even small actions. like listening, being patient, and showing we care and can make a huge difference in helping them feel valued. Emotional well-being is the foundation for learning, connection, and growth. When we support mental health, we aren’t just helping kids feel better today, we’re building stronger futures for them and for our whole community.
To make this happen, we need people to step up. Teachers and counselors can help identify kids who need extra support. Local businesses could donate supplies or sponsor events. Community centers can host workshops and offer safe spaces. Students could start support groups or help with awareness campaigns. Even writing kind notes or volunteering time can help those kids feel seen and supported. When different parts of the community come together with schools, families, organizations, neighbors, we create a network of care. That’s how we make real change, by showing them that they are valued and never alone. With kindness, better resources, and understanding, we can give these kids the stability and confidence they deserve to thrive.
Helping kids in care connects directly to the core values our country was built on; fairness, kindness, and equal opportunity. The Declaration of Independence says everyone has the right to life and the pursuit of happiness, and that includes children in care. Supporting their mental health is a concrete way to protect those rights and make sure no child is overlooked. Good citizenship means acting responsibly and helping others in our community. Kids often face trauma and instability, so providing mental health support shows we take that responsibility seriously. It knows they can succeed in school, build confidence, and feel like they belong. When we take action through therapy programs, safe spaces in schools, awareness campaigns, or simply showing kindness we are strengthening our community and proving that our values are more than just words. Supporting children doesn’t only help them. It benefits everyone. When young people feel safe and cared for, they grow into adults who contribute positively to society. That means stronger communities, a better society, and a more united future. Helping kids. Every child deserves stability, support, and the chance to be happy. By focusing on their mental health, we are living up to what our country stands for and showing that every child matters.