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GO
TO 2002 ESSAYS
2002 Great
American Think-Off Finalist Biographies
Is the
Pen Mightier than the Sword?
The Sword is Mightier
Paul Higday - Champion Richmond, VA Age: 27 Occupation:
Manager, Information Technology
Paul Higday is Chief Architect and Director of External Systems for Owens
and Minor, a leading distributor of health care products. He earned a
bachelor's degree in computer science and a bachelor's degree in management
from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Originally from
Leawood, Kansas (no, he hasn't met Dorothy!), Paul now lives in Richmond,
Virginia with his wife Laura and their spoiled cat. In his free time,
he enjoys playing softball, reading, skiing, and traveling abroad.
The Pen is Mightier
Timothy Brennan Austin, MN Age: 44 Occupation:
Teacher
Timothy Brennan has been an English Teacher at Southland ISD #500 in Adams,
MN since 1983 where he is also Drama Director, Knowledge Bowl Advisor
and Yearbook Advisor. His hobbies include family, writing, golf, lawn/garden
'putzer'. He and his wife Jaci have two children, Alex, age 10 and Max,
age 8. June 8th is his wedding anniversary!
The Sword is Mightier
Barbara Parker
Richmond, VA
Age: 56 Occupation: Housewife
Barbara Parker, born in New Jersey of staunch New England parents, spent
most of her growing up summers in Maine, still the land of her heart.
She has lived in the southeast for over thirty years, and loves the kindness
and humor of the people. Richmond, Virginia has been home for Barbara
and her husband, Jim, for twenty-two years. They have three grown children
and one very adored grandson. She graduated from Bucknell University with
a double major in English and Spanish. For some years, Barbara was a dealer
for Lindal Cedar Homes and she is now either retired or looking for a
job, depending on her frame of mind. She enjoys playing golf and MahJongg,
reading, being outdoors and doing volunteer work in the community. Working
with organizations in the health field has been a longtime interest, and
she has edited several newsletters. Knowing her love of writing, philosophy,
and a good argument, neighbors, originally from Wadena, Minnesota, suggested
that Barbara enter the Great American Think-Offf. The topics have always
been thought provoking, but this year's finally spurred her to write an
essay.
The Pen is Mightier
Jenna Madsen Littleton, CO Age: 17 Occupation: Student
Jenna Madsen, is currently a junior at Arapahoe High School in Littleton,
Colorado. She is involved in National Honor Society, Link Crew, and maintains
a grade point average of 4.0. Born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, she enjoys
skiing and snowboarding as one of her many activities. Jenna also enjoys
playing volleyball for both club and high school teams, and going on family
vacations. She has a younger sister, Erika (14) and a younger brother, Michael
(11) who also enjoys outdoor and athletic activities. Last year, she went
on a mission's trip to Juarez, Mexico, where she helped build a house for
a less fortunate Mexican family. Jenna wants to study medicine and hopes
to be a pediatrician one day.
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