August 16, 2011 > Computers awarded for good deeds Computers awarded for good deeds Submitted By Peter Hoogduin California Wushu Martial Arts Academy believes that many good deeds done each day are un-rewarded. "We all know that negativity will not improve a situation, but complimenting or rewarding a job well done will actually prompt more of those good activities," says Academy Owner Hoogduin. With that in mind, he launched an essay contest this year open to youths 18 years of age and under. A large number of excellent essays were submitted about good deeds and activities performed. It was a close competition, but the winning essay was submitted by 11-year-old Warm Springs Elementary School student, Pavitra Jayabalasingam, who was awarded the grand prize of a new laptop computer. Jayabalasingam took one look at a park located in her community and decided it was too dirty to play in. She decided to clean the park so kids can have a better environment in which to play. "Don't you want to keep your community park clean? If you do, it starts with picking up trash you see on the ground. I live near a community park that has trash scattered everywhere so I chose to clean it up because if I don't start, no one will," explains Jayabalasingam. Sure enough, after the initial clean-up performed by her, other kids that go to the park now do their bit to keep the park clean so others can enjoy it. In addition to the grand prize winner, a second laptop computer was awarded to 7-year-old James Leitch Elementary School student, Paris-Belle Pichay, for inviting the most participants to submit essays about the good deeds they have accomplished. The computers were awarded on June 18 at California Wushu Martial Arts Academy in Fremont. For information about the next Good Deed Contest, visit www.FremontMartialArts.com or call (510) 979-9886.