Community Corner

Whiz Kid: Maria Piccirillo

Maria, a fifth grade student at Parsons Elementary School is this week's Harrison Patch Whiz Kid.

Each week Harrison Patch wants to spotlight someone you know who is doing great things! We will recognize their accomplishments through our Whiz Kids column. 

This week we chose Parsons Elementary School student Maria Piccirillo.

Whiz Kids' Accomplishments: One of the most generous students you will ever meet, Maria has been a student leader in fundraisers during her time at Parsons. When a teacher was collecting donations for Haiti after a devastating earthquake in January 2010, Maria surprised everyone with her generous donation.

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"Maria brought in her piggy-bank of change that I thought she had collected from her entire class," said reading specialist and Service Club advisor Nancy Lotrionte. "There was $70 and it was the money she had saved and wanted to share. I was overwhelmed.”

This year when students at the elementary school wanted to purchase a goat for a family in Asia through Heifner International, a group that educates communities on issues like animal care, water quality, and overgrazing, Maria once again went above and beyond expectations.

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With Maria's encouragement, her school raised enough money to buy 10 goats for the charity. The fifth grade student made enough of an impact that she was chosen to present a check to the organization.

Key to Awesomeness: A leader inside and outside the classroom, Maria has been a great role model for other students at Parsons Elementary. 

“We will miss her when she goes to L.M.K. next year, but they will be lucky to have her,” said Lotrionte. “We’re lucky too because her younger brother will still be here.”

Congratulations Maria, you're selflessness certainly makes you a great choice for our Whiz Kid feature!

Editor's Note: Harrison Central School District contributed to this report.

If you would like to nominate a Whiz Kid please send the following information to Harrison Patch Editor Zach Oliva.

  • Nominator's Name
  • Nominator's E-Mail
  • Whiz Kid's Name
  • Whiz Kid's School
  • Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
  • Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (What made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a picture.

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