Mendham's Doyne Honored by Dalai Lama as 'Unsung Hero'

It’s no secret, especially to locals in the area, what kind of impact native daughter Maggie Doyne has had halfway around the world.

The 2005 Mendham High School graduate was just 19 years old when she bought a plot of land in Surkhet, Nepal, and embarked on a journey to that would lead to the building of the Kopila Valley Children’s Home. Doyne has been honored for her work from organizations throughout the world.

But her most recent accolade may be the one that takes the cake – a blessing from one of the world’s foremost religious leaders who stresses patience and compassion.

Nominated by Unsung Heroes of Compassion, an organization that helps and highlights do-gooders from around the globe, Doyne received a humanitarian honor from the Dalai Lama in San Francisco on Feb. 23.  She and 50 others were honored at the ceremony.

Doyne continues to move forward with her commitment to Kopila Valley, now hoping to build a high school for the children she has helped educate over the past eight years.

Find her Unsung Heroes honor here, and learn more about Kopila Valley here.