McEntyre Competition:
An Unexpected Kindness /2

Local students show off their literary stuff in the 2018 McEntyre Writing Competition

Introduction by Wayne Larsen
Illustrated by Jennifer Cook

In what has become an annual tradition in Westmount schools, the McEntyre Writing Competition always attracts a wide variety of thoughtful and creative entries, and the 2018 edition was no exception.

Endowed by the late Peter McEntyre, mayor of Westmount from 1969 to 1971, the competition encourages young writers to express themselves on a designated topic, each designed to get the creative juices flowing. It is coordinated each year by the Westmount Public Library.

In 2018, “An Unexpected Kindness” was the topic assigned to students in grades 1 through 11.

Westmount Magazine presents the full texts of the first-place entries in each grade category, as supplied by the Westmount Public Library. As well, this year these will be accompanied by Westmounter Jennifer Cook’s charming illustrations.

Here we present Grade 3.

THIRD GRADE | FIRST PRIZE | AKIVA SCHOOL

Bianca Martella

An Unexpected Act of Kindness

One Sunday afternoon, Mr. McEntyre, the mayor of Westmount, had a brilliant idea. He decided to create a writing competition for the brilliant girls and boys in the city. There were many children who wanted to participate. Unfortunately, Mr. McEntyre didn’t realize how much work it would be. He had to read over one thousand papers in two days, and he had his regular job to do too.

After one day of correcting the stories, Mr. McEntyre realized that he was done, but it was too quick. Under a stack of papers, he found a little note that said, “I helped you with your work.” He continued reading on, and it said, “Do you know what kindness is?” Attached to the paper was a little map.

Mr. McEntyre decided to follow the map. On the way through the trail he found an old lady, and she said “Would you like to come in? I baked cookies.”
“Ok,” he said.

He walked into the house, it was a very nice home. He realized how nice and kind that lady was. Mr. McEntyre finished the cookies and said goodbye to the old lady.

He continued on the path and found a little girl. She was wearing raggy old clothing. She called to her mom to come. The mom came and was shocked to see such a fancy guy. She looked at Mr. McEntyre and said, “Could you help us? We are poor and have no money.”

Mr. McEntyre, still feeling thankful that the old lady gave him cookies, was happy to help. He gave the mother fifty dollars. She was so happy and gave Mr. McEntyre a big hug, which made him even happier.

Mr. McEntyre continued walking and reached the end of the map. He saw a woman in the shadows. He smiled at her and said, “It was you, you made my day. I finally know what kindness is.” The woman smiled. That was kindness for her.

Illustration: Jennifer Cook

Read also: McEntyre Competition: An Unexpected Kindness /1