New Face Added To Constitution Center's American National Tree
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's a new face on a popular exhibit at the National Constitution Center.
"He really inspires me and I don't think he gets any recognition at all in history."
So Indianapolis ninth-grader Sophia George nominated Civil War-era Congressman Thaddeus Stevens to be included among the 100 faces on the Constitution Center's American National Tree.
Her winning essay about the U.S. Representative from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who drafted the 14th Amendment, was chosen from among 250 entries.
"He advocated equal rights for African-Americans, and I think that that's still a big social issue today."
And having her choice now on permanent national display? "It's kind of like an unreal feeling. I haven't wrapped my head around it yet!"
The induction was part of the celebration of the 228th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.