Award Winner

7

Maria Hernandez

Seventh Grade, Hialeah Gardens Middle
Washington, D.C. Trip Winner

Recently a student expressed that she wanted to jump off a building and end her life due to problems at home. This same student had also been seen harming and cutting herself on the bus. One day Odalis, Yeilin, and Maria were walking to class when they noticed the student had placed her feet on the railing and heard her say “I’ve always wanted to go this way”. The girls immediately screamed at the student which startled her, and she got off the railing. The girls then walked her to class and then immediately informed the teacher and assistance was provided to this student in need. Despite dealing with the challenges of arriving to a new country, these girls knew that they had to do the right thing and speak up when others were not taking the situation seriously. Because of Odalis, Yeilin, and Maria, a tragedy was averted and a life was saved.