Clearview Elementary fifth-grader Adyson Petty received s surprise visit to her classroom last month, when her family and representatives of LIVE UNITED arrived to inform her that out of 620 entries, her essay on living united had been chosen as the grand prize winner.

 

United Way of Central Minnesota, U.S. Bank and Times Media teamed up to create the LIVE UNITED essay contest to give youth a chance to tell the community how they “live united” and have a positive impact on others.

 

To enter the contest, fifth graders across Central Minnesota wrote an essay detailing how they’re making a positive impact in their community, such as shoveling snow for a neighbor, helping a classmate with homework, volunteering at a local organization, or any other way they’re making a difference. 

 

Petty entered the contest after her mom, Shannon, saw it on Facebook and asked if she wanted to try it out. She wrote her essay on helping her three-year-old sister, who has down syndrome.

 

“I help her out with her therapy where she works on her speech and getting stronger with her hands and legs,” said Petty. “I also wrote about helping out with Young Athletes and doing the Polar Plunge.”

 

The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser where participants jump into a frozen lake to support Special Olympics organizations such as Young Athletes. Petty and her family participate at the Sauk Centre location. 

 

Petty was surprised she had won.

 

“They came in and announced I had won to the whole class,” she said. “I was very surprised. I felt sort of nervous and really excited.”

 

Petty then read her winning essay to her class, her family members and the United Way representatives; her teacher is Profesora Jourdan. As the grand prize winner, she received a $200 Visa card.

 

Four other fifth-graders from St. Cloud District 742 were among the fourteen runner-ups. 

 

This isn’t the first time Clearview has seen one of its students succeed in the annual essay contest. Two years ago, one of their fifth-graders placed in the top 15.