Chloe Green only had 300 words to tell people Logan Boulet’s story and why he was so inspiring.
She made the most out of the space, winning the national Lives that Make a Difference essay contest hosted by A&E television and taking home a $3,000 prize — $2,000 for herself and $1,000 for her classroom.
“I was pretty shocked. I was speechless,” Green said of winning.
“I was super excited and really happy for what I accomplished.”
Green’s essay won for the Grade 9-12 division out of hundreds and hundreds of entries from across Canada. The contest, now in its 15th year, is held in an effort to hear from the next generation of Canadians about what they’re thinking and what’s important to them.‘We started this contest with that in mind,” said A&E director of distribution Jim Babchak.”
“Chloe Green had written a compelling essay for us about the Humboldt Bronco crash and Logan Boulet.”
Boulet, who was one of 16 killed in last April’s tragedy, was kept on life support so that his organs could be harvested and donated. He had signed his organ donor card just weeks before the crash.
Inspired by his act of kindness, thousands of Canadians signed up to become organ donors in what became known as the Logan Boulet effect.
The essays submitted into the A&E contest were judged by a panel of educators for relevancy, persuasiveness and creativity.
‘We were impressed with everything (Green) had written,” Babchak said.
The network wasn’t the only one. Before submitting her entry, Green had her teacher, LeeAnne Trumier, edit the piece.
“I’m so proud of Chloe. She did a fantastic job,” Trumier said.
“When I read the essay, there wasn’t much to do. It was so well-written and emotionally charged. She has an excellent writing style and she’s very good at what she does.”
Trumier said they weren’t expecting anything, much less a $1,000 contribution from the television network. The funds will likely go towards the purchase of new novel sets for the school’s English classes.
As for Green, she thinks it’s important to share the stories of those who make a difference.
“I think it’s important to make sure everyone who reads that essay is aware of the difference being made,” she said.
“I think it’s important to recognize people making a difference as it will continue making a difference as you keep writing about it and talking about it.”
When she set out to write her essay, Green knew Boulet’s story was perfect.
“I found it really inspiring. I thought, in general, the Humboldt Broncos were all very inspiring,” she said.
“The effect Logan had on Canada, he was truly one who made a difference.”
