KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, LouisianaA third grader's selfless act of kindness

A third grader's selfless act of kindness

By Tiffany Blackmon - bio | email

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - One of the greatest things a person can do, is to give to others, and sometimes some of our biggest givers come in small packages.

Ebony Shante Edwards has excelled in the classroom this year, but that was not the reason why this Henry Heights third grader received the Golden bug award today.

"We try to teach the children to be kind, and generous, and have good character, and so she is an example to the other students," said Sherry Bridges, the school counselor.

Ebony is a BUGS Student, BUGS stands for "bringing up grades." It's a program sponsored by the Lake Charles Kiwanis Club. At the end of the year they hold a party in which they give out prizes to the students, and when Ebony's name was called to collect the grand prize, she did something remarkable.

"When Ebony's name was drawn, she very quietly came up to Mrs. Bridges and I, and said, I have a bicycle, why don't you draw another name," stated Michael Fullington, BUGS Coordinator:

Ebony Shante Edwards selflessly gave up the bicycle. "I already had a bike that my daddy had got me for Christmas," she said, "I wanted to give it to somebody who didn't have a bike."

That somebody was fourth grader Dedrick Hederson. "I thought she was a nice girl," he said, "I way happy and I wanted to say thank you to her."

Phillip DeVilbiss, President of the Lake Charles Kiwanis Club, presented Ebony with the Golden Bug Award. "We were all equally surprised and inspired, so we passed a hat, took up a collection for Ebony, and we were able to give her something back."

For her act of kindness Ebony received a gift certificate to the Academy store.

"It made me feel happy and excited," exclaimed Ebony.

She has even taught her classmates a valuable lesson.

"When you already have something, but you get another thing just like it, it's not right to keep both of them.  It's right to give the other one away so another kid can feel special," said third grader Donovan Shull.

As for the gift card she received, Ebony already knows how she will spend it.

"I'll probably by something for my teacher," she said.

Everyone can learn a thing or two from this little girl with a big heart and a lot to give.

Ebony's principal, Mike Juneau, said, "It's no surprise that Ebony gave the bike away because it's just in her nature."

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