When Isabel Begun's teacher at Furnace Woods Elementary assigned students a year-long independent research project that should make an impact, the then-fifth-grader had a vision: Everyone in her school would be friends for one day.
The project, named "Blue-Out Against Bullying," recently landed her a spot on the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program list of winners.
The contest commends "young volunteers across the country for their amazing contributions to their communities." Students who enter have the chance to win a $50 Kohl's gift card, a $1,000 scholarship or $10,000 in scholarships.
Isabel, who lives in Cortlandt Manor, was surprised when she opened the letter announcing she was a winner. Her father submitted her name.
"I knew nothing about the Kohl's Cares organization, but when I found out I was really excited that I made a difference and that my community recognized it," she said.
Isabel's project culminated when her fifth-grade peers, along with many teachers, dressed in blue as a sign of solidarity. She got the idea after reading about "Black-Out Bullying" events in other schools, and decided to make it her own by using Furnace Woods' school color.
Ideally, the friendships made that day would last forever, she told Patch.
"I don’t like that kids feel uncomfortable in their environment, whether they are at school or just anywhere," she said "... [The day] was a sign that nobody was going to mean to each other, there was no fighting and everyone was going to try to be friends for one day, and hopefully for a long time too."
The day was a success, and the district posted about it on its Facebook page.
Danielle Hopson-Begun wasn't surprised with the subject the 11-year-old selected for the project.
"It’s important for her to have friends and it's important for all of her friends to feel included," Danielle Hopson-Begun said of her daughter. "She’s very thoughtful that way."
Alain Begun, Isabel's father, told his daughter about the contest in passing. Neither of them gave it much thought.
"I think she's just a good kid," he said, noting that although bullying wasn't a "huge issue" in Isabel's school, it was something she wanted to address.
Isabel, who said she's "never really been bullied," plans to keep up her efforts.
"If I see it happening I probably will just get a teacher or try to stop it myself."
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