Young Essay Contest Winners give Props to Carson’s Civic Amenities

CARSON— Local Attractions, Park Programs and Cultural Diversity Top Students’ List of Why They Like Carson.

Twenty-one essays written by students from Carson stood out in describing their love for their city during the 2024 “Why I Like Carson” Essay-Writing Contest, which concluded with an awards ceremony on April 23 at the Carson Event Center.

The winners included 21 students from various schools in Carson who received gift cards ranging from $100-$200, medals, and certificates of recognition from the Carson City Council.

The contest was started in 1996 by the late Councilmember Mary Anne O’Neal in an effort to foster community pride among Carson’s youth. The contest generates wide participation from the local schools with hundreds of essays received each year. In 2003, the contest opened to at-large participants to allow students who live in the city but are homeschooled or attend schools in other cities, to participate in the contest.

Students have different reasons why they like Carson, as described in their essays, with local attractions — ranging from the Dignity Health Sports Park to the variety of stores and restaurants in town — being one of the top reasons. Another favorite on the students’ list is the city’s parks and the numerous activities such as after-school programs and sports activities that keep them busy year-round. 

Students also agree that the cultural diversity and friendly people in Carson are aspects that make them not only like their city, but actually make them proud citizens.

“Our parks are really special offering activities for multiple generations.  We are a city that recognizes and celebrates all cultures,” said fourth grader Mia Daisy Chavez. “Our city is unique and everyone is respectful and diverse,” said fifth grader Rylie-Ann Quintero. 

“One of the things I love most about Carson is its strong sense of history.  The city has a number of historical landmarks and sites, including the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past,” said seventh grader Jezebel Martinez.

Carson’s housing and economic development didn’t go unnoticed by the students. The students expressed delight in their essays over the number of new and modern houses being built and the rapid increase in commercial and retail businesses in the city.

So whether it is the local attractions, the parks and park activities, the cultural diversity, or the city’s booming economy, eighth grader Jillian Sagun summarizes her position: “that miracle was my parents being able to buy a beautiful, comfortable home.  That home was in none other than the City of Carson.”