Student awarded iPod for winning good deed contest

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ST. CHARLES – Sometimes good deeds lead to tangible rewards, along with feelings of appreciation, gratitude and satisfaction.

At least they do in the case of 13-year-old Brittany Plaszewski of St. Charles.

The Haines Middle School eighth grader on Monday earned a new iPod, along with recognition from St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte, after she won a contest run by her dentist.

St. Charles dentist Gilbert Abadilla started a “Do a Good Deed Contest” to show his younger patients that good deeds “actually pay off,” he said.

The essay contest also was designed to promote community involvement, Abadilla said.

“We want to encourage kids to be involved in their community,” he said after presenting Brittany her pink iPod and certificate as her father, Rey Plaszewski, looked on.

Abadilla said he chose Brittany’s essay because it impressed him.

Brittany wrote about taking care of her grandparents’ house when they were visiting Florida. The work included planting trees and cutting the grass.

“They came home really happy and surprised,” Brittany said. “It was a good feeling, you know?”

Brittany said she saw a sign advertising the contest when she was at a dental appointment. She decided to give it a try to replace her old iPod.

Besides helping out her grandparents, Brittany also enjoys tennis and hopes to one day turn pro.

She trains with two coaches and two trainers five days a week, and she was home schooled last year to train in North Carolina.

DeWitte told Brittany to remain goal-oriented and she’ll go far.

“Sounds like you have strong goals for yourself,” he said.