by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Kennedy Community School fifth-grader Lane McIntyre strives to make a positive impact for other people around him. He recently took time to write his thoughts about how he does so on paper when he entered the United Way “Live United” Essay Contest.
Because McIntyre’s ideas were a positive example of how to “Live United,” he was chosen as a runner-up in the contest.
“I was so happy to see Lane win this essay,” said Kristin Sowada, McIntyre’s homeroom teacher. “He did a very nice job writing his essay, but the best part is he lives it. He is an amazing young man.”
This is the winning essay that McIntyre submitted for the contest.
“How do I help others and be a positive impact? I help pick up things at Scouts, even if other kids are playing games or something. I also help by not talking too much about something. I love trains, but most of my friends around me like sports, so I talk with them about sports too. I also behave properly. That really helps my teachers and classmates. I am always a positive thinker and honest at all times. I try to always follow my school’s motto: Be kind, safe, and responsible. That is how I make a positive impact.”
McIntyre’s mother, Suzy McIntyre, attended her son’s award ceremony Dec. 6.
“Lane was so surprised when he found out he had won,” she said. “He was just beaming. Lane works hard to always try to do the right thing and to be a friend to those who are especially in need of a friend.”
“We are all so proud of Lane’s accomplishment,” said Laurie Putnam, principal. “He is a thoughtful young man who is also a skilled writer. He represents our school community well, and I am sure he will go far in his future.”
McIntyre’s sister, Kayla, is a third-grader at Kennedy Community School.
Jill Lenzmeier from the United Way said McIntyre’s essay was chosen from 622 essays from 19 schools from around central Minnesota. There was one grand-prize winner and 14 runners-up selected.
Lenzmeier said the winners selected best expressed how they “Live United.”
Essay contest requirements included incorporating the “Live United” theme in the essay, using no more than 100 words, being a fifth-grader and living within the United Way of Central Minnesota service area.
McIntyre and other runners-up winners received a $75 VISA gift card and the grand-prize winner received a $200 VISA gift card.
Kennedy Community School fifth-grader Lane McIntyre (right) and his mother, Suzy McIntyre, at the school shortly after Lane was recognized for being chosen as a runner-up in the United Way “Live United” Essay Contest.
