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Emma Bodnarick named grade 7 philanthropy essay winner
Emma Bodnarick's essay titled "The Amazing Joe Liechty," is the grand prize winner of the Putnam County Community Foundation's National Philanthropy Week Essay Contest.
Bodnarick is a student in Suzanne Funk's seventh-grade class at Greencastle Middle School. In recognition of her accomplishment, Greencastle will receive a grant of $500, and the A-Way Home Shelter will receive a grant of $150.
Entries were accepted from seventh-grade students in all four county school corporations. Students were instructed to write a 500-word essay about "The Philanthropist I Know Personally and Admire The Most."
Elaine Peck, executive director of the Putnam County Community Foundation, said judges evaluated essays with no knowledge of the identity of the schools or the students.
Essay contest judges were Vickie Parker, Beau Battin, Jinsie Bingham and Louis Fontaine.
There were seven finalists in the essay contest this year.
Ruth Heithaus was a finalist for her essay titled, "Mr. Andy Burns," which recognizes his efforts to rebuild a town in New Mexico.
Heithaus is also a student in Suzanne Funk's seventh-grade class at GMS, and she chose the Friends of the Park Association of Putnam County to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
Ainslee Vogt wrote an essay called "The Little Things That Count" about her brother, Corbin, whom she admires for his kindness and volunteer work.
Vogt is a student in Susan Trent's seventh-grade class at North Putnam Middle School, and she chose the Putnam County Humane Society to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
Sarah C. Zehner wrote an essay about her parents, Andrew and Damaris, whom she admires for how they give back in so many ways to the world.
Zehner is a student in Jessyca South's seventh-grade class at North Putnam Middle School, and she chose Hope's Way to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
Sophia Z. Hawkins wrote an essay about her youth minister, Emma Rich, which recognizes Ms. Rich's efforts to teach and inspire youth in Putnam County.
Hawkins is a student in Mrs. Rady's seventh-grade class at Cloverdale Middle School, and she chose Soul Harvest Church Food Pantry to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
Hanna Monnett wrote an essay about Bob Hostetter, which recognizes his work in the community through being a Boy Scout master for more than 25 years. Monnett is a student in Mrs. Rady's seventh-grade class at Cloverdale Middle School. She chose Boy Scout Troop 93 to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
Kristi Wood wrote an essay titled, "Joy Burianek," whom Kristi admires for her generosity and kindheartedness. Wood is a student in Caitlynn McKinney's seventh-grade Class at South Putnam Jr.-Sr. High School. She chose Cloverdale United Methodist Church to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
Hannah Hutson wrote an essay titled, "Mrs. Phillips," which recognizes the work Mrs. Phillips is doing with students to help them succeed. Hutson is a student in Caitlynn McKinney's seventh-grade class at South Putnam Jr.-Sr. High School. She chose the Susan G. Komen Foundation to receive a Finalist Grant Award of $50.
The winners' essays and photos can be seen at the Foundation website, www.pcfoundation.org.
The National Philanthropy Week Essay Contest is another opportunity provided by the unrestricted Community Grants Endowment of the Putnam County Community Foundation. Anyone may contribute to the Community Grants Endowment, or start a new endowment in his/her own name.
Contributions to the endowment should be made payable to the Putnam County Community Foundation with "Community Grants Endowment" in the memo, and mailed to 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle IN 46135. Contributions may also be made online at www.pcfoundation.org.