June 2, 2021
Gina Rich
THE WASHINGTON POST – When Orion Jean’s parents entered him in a national speech contest in the United States (US) with less than 24 hours to prepare, they had no idea the experience would lead to something so much bigger.
Orion worked quickly to record a video for the 2020 competition, held by Think Kindness, an organisation that aims to inspire acts of kindness in schools and communities. In his speech, Orion focussed on the idea that “kindness is easy, it can be free, and it can make someone’s day a whole lot better”, he said.
Not only did Orion win the contest, he also put his speech into action by creating the Race to Kindness, a series of events spreading kindness around the world. For his efforts, the fifth-grader was named one of America’s top 2021 youth volunteers by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Kelly
Mitchell announced a contest celebrating National College Savings Plan Day on May 29. To enter the Faces of 529 Day Contest, participants must upload a photo of their beneficiary with a caption and complete the Faces of 529 Day Contest form at www.collegechoicedirect.com/529day by 11:59 p.m. May 29. One individual will be randomly selected from all eligible entries to win a $529 CollegeChoice 529 account deposit.
Events
• The University of Saint Francis will host a health sciences camp from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. June 8-9 for incoming eighth through 12th graders to encourage careers in the health care industry. It will be held at the Doermer Family Center for Health Science Education, 2701 Spring St. Cost is $50. Scholarships reducing the registration fee are available to those with financial needs. Masks are strongly recommended for campers. Go to go.sf.edu/camps to register. Contact Anne Kirk at 260-399-7700, ext. 8501, or akirk@sf.edu for information.