This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Mary Huminski

Mary Huminski named Madison Rotary Student of The Year at Ryerson Elementary School for 2010 - 2011 School Year.

Name:  Mary Huminski

School:  Ryerson Elementary School (2010-2011)

Accomplishments: When Mary Huminski walked out the doors of Ryerson Elementary School last June she left behind a reputation of kindness and friendship. She spread her kindness around the halls of the school through her role as a member of the Bucket Patrol and in the community through her commitment to the Guilford Fund For Education.

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Being named 2010 - 2011 Ryerson Elementary School Student of the Year was the result of Mary's important role on the Bucket Patrol, as well as her community work with the Guilford Fund For Education (GFFE).

All students who receive the Student of the Year Award meet the Rotary's 4-Way Test.  This test, which promotes high ethical standards, asks "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?  Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“If your bucket is full it means you’re happy and if it’s empty somebody bullied you or you’re sad,” said Mary.  Mary took her responsibility on the bucket patrol very seriously while she, “made sure people weren’t bullying people and making their buckets empty,” explained Mary. “And you recognized people and told the principal when people were doing nice things.”

This generosity expands out into the community.  Mary was introduced to the GFFE through her grandfather and aunt.  She worked with her cousins to make hair ties, which they sold at a fundraiser. She said she made $50.00 for the group.

Key to Awesomeness:  Mary joined about 20 other fourth graders on the Bucket Patrol, making sure that her fellow students’ “buckets” were full and they were happy at Ryerson. 

Mary said it made her feel “pretty good” to be a member of the patrol.  In her essay to Principal Kelly Spooner she said she wanted this role, “to make people feel good and not have them be down and wrecking their day because somebody hurt their feelings,” said Mary. 

“Mary embodies the essential characteristics we strive for at Ryerson: compassion, good citizenship and truth,” said Spooner. “As stated, Mary serves as a Bucket Patrol member who models daily examples of respect, forgiveness, friendship and kindness.  Her modeling serves as an example to other peers and is what makes Ryerson a great place to work and learn.”

How did Mary feel about her accomplishments on the Bucket Patrol?  “It makes you feel really good,” said Mary.  “It’s not to make you feel good, it’s to make the other person feel good, but at the same time they make you feel good because you made them feel good!”

Outside the halls of Ryerson she feels very strongly about giving back to the community, particularly her contribution to GFFE. 

"If it's just about you then you wouldn't have a community," said Mary.  "You wouldn't have schools or anything and you want to be educated and you want to get into college and have fun in your life."

 

 

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?