Local students write about philanthropists

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Six Putnam County middle school students have been selected as winners of the 2007 National Philanthropy Week Essay Contest sponsored by the Putnam County Community Foundation.

Students in seventh grade in all four school corporations were asked to write about "The Philanthropist I know and Admire the Most." The person in the essay was to be someone the writer knows personally. Entries were received from three schools.

The top prize -- a $500 grant to the winner's school -- has been presented to Josie Parent of North Putnam Middle School. She wrote about her father. Parent was also able to designate a $50 grant to the charity of her choice. She designated the Make A Wish Foundation to receive the grant.

Kyleigh Mitchell
Bradanne Toney
Micayla Jones

The other student finalists received $25 grants for their favorite charities. Those finalists were:

* Micayla Jones from NPMS with her essay "My Dad." She designated the Levi Haskell Scholarship Fund.

* Kyleigh Mitchell from Cloverdale Middle School with her essay "Imagine if there were no Philanthropists." Her charity was the Humane Society of Putnam County.

* Bradanne Toney from CMS with the essay "Darrell and Barbara Toney." She also designated HSPC.

* Morgan Dezsi from South Putnam Jr.-Sr. High School with the essay "The Philanthropist I Know and Admire the Most." She designated the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

* Haley Bain from South Putnam with "Oprah Winfrey: The Best Philanthropist I Know." Her charity was Toys for Tots.

Josie Parent
Haley Bain
Morgan Dezsi

The middle school English teachers gave the writing assignment, and each school chose two finalists to submit to the Community Foundation for the selection of the grand prize winner from the finalists. Essay judges were Dorothy Crawley Richards, Jinsie Bingham, Shannon Norman and Louis Fontaine.

Following is the grand prize essay. The other entries are available to readers at www.banner­graphic.com.

"In the Shadows"

By Josie Parent

North Putnam Middle School

When you think about a philanthropist that you

admire who comes to mind? For me, it's my dad.

Though he is just an average guy, and by no means wealthy, there are many worthy causes that benefit from his suppqrt.

One of the organizations that he supports is United Way. His monthly donations to United Way allow him to contribute too many different clubs and groups in our community.

He has chosen to donate countless hours of his time to coaching and guiding our youth. He enjoys forming relationships with the kids he has coached. In addition to coaching he has been a member on many league boards helping organize and plan events.

CMN (Children's Miracle Network) is another charity my dad chooses to support. He donates not just money but also time to this cause. At his place of employment, he helps plan and participates in many fundraising activities.

The cause closest to his heart though, would have to be Relay for Life. He participates in this annual event financially and as a walking member of a team.

Although my dad's name may never appear in lights, his time and money work in the shadows to bring a small light into others lives.

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