Page 51 - August Life In Naples Magazine

For Collier County School Board District 5

Local student nets national recognition thanks to Mary Ellen’s tutoring

“I tear up just talking about how much Mary Ellen Cash has done to support
our family,” said Helenda Davis, mother of Keyshawn Davis. Her eyes tear up
as she shares her gratitude and the love and joy is obvious on her face.

Mary Ellen took the Davis family under her wing and helped coach mom
Helenda and Keshawn, tutoring and mentoring the pair during a difficult
time in their lives.

The tutoring paid off in multiple ways. Helenda resolved some life issues and
Keyshawn earned multiple awards at the local, state, and national level.
The accomplishments began when the 11-year-old submitted an essay to the
Golden Gate VFW Post 7721’s Patriots Penn Essay Contest. Keyshawn was
excited to learn he had taken first place. With the encouragement and sup-
port of Mary Ellen, he went on to take first place at District 13, which included
eight VFW Posts. He then set his sights on the state competition for the De- Helenda & Keyshawn at the state competition with
partment of (State) of Florida. Mary Ellen Cash in the background

As Patriotic Instructress for Post 7721 at the mid-winter conference, Mary Ellen was on hand when the winners were recognized. They
noticed Keyshawn’s’ name listed in the program, but no ranking was given, and they had hoped for a third-place finish. As the Master of
Ceremonies announced the third-place winner, it wasn’t Keyshawn. With excited glances they looked about as the second-place winner
was announced, and it wasn’t Keyshawn.

About this time nerves were tightening; excitement and fear took hold and sheer joy erupted as the Master of Ceremonies announced
Keyshawn as the first-place winner for the Department of Florida. Keyshawn’s bright red, white and blue bow tie reflected off his glasses,
shedding a red, white and blue rainbow throughout the room.

Keyshawn’s essay was submitted to Nationals and out of 136,000 entries submitted, he earned sixth place at the 2017 VFW National
Judging Competition.

Keyshawn recently published his first book, “Sea of Darkness.” An impressive accomplishment for an 11-year-old! As a published
author and national award winner, Keyshawn continues to inspire those around him and receives inspiration from mentors like Mary
Ellen and other teachers who take the time to recognize and nurture the talents of today’s youth.

Commitment cash4district5.com

Accountability A+ info@cash4district5.com

Solutions
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Honesty & Integrity School Board District 5 Campaign. Website Created by Social-Impact