Episcopal Freshman Wins Good Deed Contest
Posted January 27, 2010
Maria Boyance ’13 was awarded a Toshiba laptop computer by Jacksonville Periodontist Dr. Gary Perlman for winning a Good Deed essay contest. The contest was open to students under age 18 in Duval and Clay Counties. Maria’s essay was selected as the best of 50 entries.
Perlman held the contest as a way to move the emphasis from a society that “seems to be living in a ‘me and I’ kind of culture.” Perlman said of Maria, “our winner showed a sense of caring and maturity seldom seen in a ninth grader. Her fine character is a tribute to her family, classmates, and school.”
Maria’s essay discussed time she spent developing a mentoring relationship with a third-grade student at her former elementary school. She was acknowledged for her dedication in helping a young girl build a positive self image and remain strong through the harsh treatment of class bullies. During her time with the students, Boyance could not help but notice one lone girl, Kierra, who was consistently troubled by taunts and name-calling from her classmates—treatment Kierra thought she deserved. Through positive reinforcement and kind words, Boyance gave Kierra the strength, guidance, and friendship she needed to rise above the harsh words of her peers.
