16 minute read
Awesomeness
“Kindness means supporting people with whatever they choose to do, being a leader and always encouraging people to help them out and be there for them.”
ASHLYN WINGER, 14
NOMINATOR: MELISSA WALSH, FORMER TEACHER
From the first day of class, Ashlyn impressed me with her artistic ability. It was clear that she has a passion for creative expression – both in and out of the classroom. Her determination and dedication to her art is outstanding. She has worked hard to become better at her craft by practice and it shows. Her artistic ability is beyond what I have seen from students her age. Her art speaks for itself and should be greatly recognized amongst the community. Her ability to show and express human emotion in her art is outstanding and I believe her dedication has proven that she has a bright future ahead of her in the artistic realm.
BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER AWESOME KIDS
All of the amazing nominees for 2021 Awesome Airdrie Kids have incredible stories about the outstanding things they are doing in the community.
While we were reading through all 18 nomination forms, it became abundantly clear that they have one thing in common: an unwavering ability to show kindness to those around them.
In our world today, kindness and compassion are more important than ever so for our nominee response, we are asking all of the kids the same question: What does kindness mean to you?
Their responses blew us away!
We will be celebrating each and every one of these extraordinary young people at a safe and socially distanced event in January 2021.
Read what they say about kindness and the incredible things their nominators had to say about them in the pages to follow.
“Kindness is appreciating people and showing that they’re wanted. No matter what’s going on in someone’s life, they will feel better if they’re shown kindness and you will too.”
BELLA SCHROTER, 14
NOMINATORS: ERICA LEGH, TEACHER
Bella is a remarkable young lady who never ceases to put a smile on the faces of those around her. She is an active member of musical theatre, the basketball team, Rocky View Schools Honour Band, competitive highland dancing, Green Team (environmental club), student leadership and Global Citizenship Club (volunteerism). She supports her team and clubmates without fail and is a kind and capable leader when in charge of groups. She is incredibly compassionate, talented and selfless. Bella is someone that welcomes everyone and makes others feel safe and appreciated. A true “lead-by-example” kind of kid that is an inspiration to all those around her, she will go far in her future.
“Kindness is doing things when you’re not asked to, helping people when they need it, and saying please and thank you. In a world where you can be anything ... be kind.”
CALLIE COATES, 10
NOMINATOR: MERRILL FOSTER, TEACHER
Callie is an awesome kid! I have been endlessly impressed with her drive to do things and do them well. Not only is she a good student in the classroom, always putting her very best into all she does, but she has stepped up this past school year and become a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) leader at Heloise Lorimer School. She was responsible for giving class instructions and direction in all STEAM team activities. She also made the effort to attend all divisional STEAM activities, on her own time, on the weekends. Callie is also a competitive dancer in four different areas of dance and has a goal of working with younger dancers to help them out this year.
“Kindness means making others happy, like buying flowers for someone who is feeling down. When I make someone smile, I know I am being kind and it makes me feel happy too.”
CHRISTOPHER TOYE, 10
NOMINATOR: LAYLA LEARD, TEACHER
Christopher demonstrates exceptional dedication and compassion in all that he does both in and outside of school. He always leads by example by making the most responsible choices. As a student at A.E. Bowers Elementary School, Christopher intuitively participated in all learning experiences with great curiosity and determination. His patience and positive spirit allowed him to emerge as a gentle leader in any group activity. Chris took on many leadership roles. He volunteered his time to be a lunch buddy in classrooms of younger grades and kept students safe by being an Alberta certified patroller. People are drawn to Christopher’s friendly, calming and light-hearted presence and he engages respectfully with everyone he meets.
“Kindness means, helping others when things are tough.”
DANIEL BOATENG, 10
NOMINATOR: ALANNA KOWALUK, TEACHER
Daniel goes above and beyond to help teachers and students alike. He treats people with kindness and shows compassion in all he does. Daniel is always trying to better himself. This year, he pushed himself out of his comfort zone by joining the science club as well as the school play. Daniel not only pushed himself in extracurricular activities, but also with his schoolwork. He wanted to improve his understanding in math, so he went online and found extra workbooks and brought them to class. Daniel always sets a good example in the classroom and out.
“Kindness means doing good for other people, and our community, to help make things better.”
DECLAN FERRIER, 8
NOMINATOR: JESSELEE BEAUPARLANT, TEACHER
Declan demonstrates kindness and genuine compassion for his classmates by giving an encouraging word or trying to help defuse conflicts. From making gratitude and encouragement cards for community members and veterans, to visiting seniors, making a Samaritan’s Purse shoe box, collecting food for Airdrie Food Bank, and making community signs of perseverance, Declan has a heart of a brave, tenacious young man ready to make the world a better place. Declan is an awesome kid whose compassion and determination will be remembered for years to come. Declan has made choices to invest his time and energy into building relationships with others through his kindness and diplomacy.
“Kindness doesn’t have to be a big thing to make a difference. For example, you could ask a person who looks lonely to join your game (or whatever you are doing), and not only will you make their day, but also yours.”
EVA MERSCH, 10
NOMINATOR: CHRISTIANA VAN YSSELSTEYN, TEACHER
Eva is an absolutely lovely young lady who exemplifies kindness and compassion every day that she is at school. She enters the room with a beaming smile and kind greeting each morning. Throughout the day she maintains a very positive attitude regardless of the circumstance, and she is always warm and thoughtful with her words to others. The other children enjoy her company not only because she is a very bright, artistic, fun young person, but also because her kind and gentle manner help them to feel safe and accepted. She exudes warmth, and people are drawn to her as a result.
“Kindness means helping people in need, caring for and comforting people, and being nice to them.”
JULIANNA GRINWIS, 8
NOMINATOR: MACKINNLEY COLGAN, TEACHER
Julianna is more than an awesome kid. She is kind, patient and super smart. She is loyal and dedicated to her friends and her studies. She puts forth her best effort every single day into everything she does. Julianna goes out of her way to help keep our room clean, full of kindness and to support her friends when they are struggling. She works to ensure every student feels safe and cared for, never being a bystander in the face of potential negative energy. Being the eldest child in her family of seven, and an active member of her school and church community, Julianna lives for others. Her ability to empathize is beyond her years and her heart is huge.
“Kindness is helping people realize that they can be kind and to carry on acts of kindness, so other people can experience kindness.”
LUCA WALKER, 10
NOMINATOR: MELISSA KERR, TEACHER
Luca is unlike any kid I have ever met before. He demonstrates more empathy, selflessness and pure kindness than I thought possible for a kid his age. He is fondly known by his teachers and classmates as “The Tech Guy” because of his natural ability (and willingness) to troubleshoot laptops, presentation and LOFT boards. Even during online learning in the spring of 2020, he continued to honour his role by helping other students navigate Google Classroom and Meets. He makes a point of including kids who otherwise might not be included, continually sees what he can do to make other people happy and provides assistance without ever being asked. He has a huge heart and an overflowing well of compassion.
“Kindness is not something we just do when we feel like it; we must do it because it is the right thing to do.” “Kindness means to care for someone, helping someone, looking out for someone or making someone happy.”
MADDISON SMITH, 14
NOMINATOR: AMANDA RUSSELL, TEACHER
Maddison is a caring and empathetic young lady. She is conscientious of others and their situations and will do what she can to help lift them up. She recently collected items for Airdrie P.O.W.E.R, our local women’s shelter. She worked in partnership with the owner to learn more about abuse and invited her to speak with students in her school with the goal of raising awareness. She also loves basketball and was part of the Junior A Team for Ecole Airdrie Middle School and is a player on the community team. She is an avid trumpet player and dedicates her time to honing her skills. She is a business owner, athlete and active citizen in her many communities.
MAHROSH JAVED, 11
NOMINATOR: VERONICA DOYLE, TEACHER
Mahrosh is a leader in everything she does. She is involved in her school community as well as her local community. An active member of WE Schools for two consecutive years, she has helped create and organize different initiatives to better her school community and Airdrie as a whole. Each year during Ramadan, Mahrosh and her mother fundraise money or non-perishable food donations for the local food bank. She has volunteered for the Airdrie Festival of Lights, Bethany Care Centre and the food bank. Mahrosh also advanced to the national level of Nasirat ul Ahmadiyya Ijtema (the organization of young Ahmadi girls) in September of 2019 and is an avid figure skater.
“When kindness is given to me, I really feel good, and it feels good for other people because they’re spreading kindness; they’re making people happy and happiness is a great thing.” CALE
“I really like it when I give kindness and I like it when I receive kindness, but I think giving kindness is better because it just makes you feel good, like opening a present on Christmas Day doesn’t feel as good as giving one.” MYA
“When I am kind to others, it just kind of makes me feel good, like I’m also receiving it. It’s kind of like a win-win thing.” GRACE
MCCONNELL SIBLINGS: CALE, MYA AND GRACE, 8, 10, 12
NOMINATOR: NANCY COLE, FORMER TEACHER
The three McConnell siblings decided to do something to cheer everyone up during the COVID-19 self-isolation in the spring. They did this by taking to the streets dressed up as large inflatable dinosaurs. As cars and people rolled on by, they waved and shouted ‘hello.’ A few other parents who were feeling depressed from being inside decided to join in on their parade of hope in their own dinosaur costumes. The sibling dinosaurs roamed the streets in Sagewood community. It’s quite a warming sight to see a line of bobbing dinosaurs! It was exactly in their character to see hurt and naturally want to make a difference.
“Kindness is helping other people and passing around happiness because when you do something nice for someone, they go and do something nice for someone else.”
MYA DELAHAY, 10
NOMINATOR: JEN HUMMEL, TEACHER
Mya is always helping in the classroom with other students. She is great at calming the other students and reducing stress in the classroom. She is a quiet leader who is always willing to help whenever she is needed. Mya was part of a STEAM TEAM, which is a leadership group to help students at Heloise Lorimer School be more innovative and creative. She taught other students how to make small trinket bags out of upcycled material. Mya is an older sister to a girl who has complex medical conditions and is confined to a wheelchair. Mya is a huge help motivating and inspiring her sister.
“Kindness means to help and do things for others and make them happy and feel important.”
NATHAN PARKER, 13
NOMINATOR: DAVID SCHERER, TEACHER
Nathan has become friends with another student in the same grade who has complex needs. He has taken this student under his wing and is an amazing role model and advocate for him. He spends countless recesses including him in a game they made up together. Nathan also has been in option classes with this same student and supports him appropriately, having age-appropriate and consistent expectations of him. The staff at Windsong Heights School has watched this special relationship naturally evolve. It says a great deal about Nathan’s integrity and character to be such an inclusive and caring individual who stands out in such a large school population.
“Kindness means a warm fuzzy feeling. When someone is kind to me, I feel good. I try to be kind and not mean to others.”
NIXON STEELE, 6
NOMINATOR: MARTHA STEPANOWICH, TEACHER
Nixon is kind, thoughtful and always quick to notice others’ feelings. Nixon is a bright student and although he is quiet, the other students look up to him and follow his example. He is a sensitive student who is considerate and has a lot of compassion for others. Nixon is inquisitive and keen to learn about new ideas, topics and information. When he finds something he really enjoys, he shares his learning with enthusiasm. He is quick to include peers and kind in how he invites them to join. When others are feeling upset or frustrated, Nixon is quick to offer kind words, toys or other forms of comfort to his peers, regardless of whether these are his friends.
“To me, kindness can be shown by anyone or to anyone. It is a way of sharing happiness, feelings and more.”
PRABHNOOR PANDHER, 12
NOMINATOR: ROBERT SAIPE, TEACHER
Prabhnoor is an amazing leader and contributor within both school and the community. She is brilliant yet extremely humble, and she always looks for ways to help others. The genuineness of her efforts to share good and look out for everyone is remarkable. She is also amazing academically. Prabhnoor is a terrific leader. She volunteers on many committees within our school, including leadership and multiple clubs. She is also highly involved in extracurricular activities at school, shining as a leading contributor within band and sports teams in particular. Prabhnoor is a wonderful child who works hard to be her best while actively contributing to and sharing good within community.
“Kindness means being helpful and making others feel good about themselves.”
PYPER EMO, 9
NOMINATOR: COLLEEN SHAW, TEACHER
Pyper can always be counted on to engage in all learning tasks with focus and puts forth her best effort. She loves to learn and is such a wonderful role model to her classmates. Outside of the classroom, I have observed her show compassion to younger students and inclusiveness to classmates she observes who are on the outside of friendship groups. She is highly observant and always willing to provide a guiding hand to students who are struggling.
She has many outside interests. One of these interests is soccer. She is passionate about being her best as well as being an excellent teammate. Pyper is the type of child our school and city community can be proud of.
“Kindness is everything….! Kindness should be in everything you do.”
RUBY DE BOER, 7
NOMINATOR: KELLY SMIT, TEACHER
Ruby has had many medical challenges already in her short life. She was born with a congenital defect, and after surgery spent several months in hospital. Ruby was found to also have Goldenhar syndrome. She has had multiple surgeries to deal with hip dysplasia and scoliosis and has gone through two extended hospital stays where a halo and traction were used to help straighten her spine. Through all of these medical challenges and many more, Ruby continues to be a ray of sunshine wherever she goes. Ruby is an absolute pleasure to be around. Her spunk and enthusiasm for life are apparent from the first time you meet her. When faced with physical and medical challenges, she faces them head on and fights through any discouragement with joy.
“Kindness is always smiling and being happy. Zack has an energy that lights up a room and makes everyone just a little happier when he’s around. Zack has a great sense of humour and tries to make everyone laugh – it’s his favourite sound!” Editor’s Note: Zack is non-verbal, so his quote comes from his dad, Michael.
ZACK BROWN, 9
NOMINATOR: JO CADIEUX, FORMER TEACHER
Zack has autism and is learning how to communicate verbally. Despite his communication challenges, Zack has been a positive influence on his classmates, teachers, school staff and community members. He has never let his challenges slow him down. Zack has an amazing sense of humour and always kept us giggling in the classroom with his antics. He loves to sing and play music. Zack is such a great helper in class, in the school and in the community. Zack has helped decorate our school for Christmas, has helped with collection of donations for our food bank drive and has done many jobs for our amazing office staff. Within the community, Zack has helped his family members with bottle drives and is an active member of Cubs. life
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