William – the boy who sees kindness unconditionally

William, Cape Kid of the Month May 2019It is our pleasure to introduce William to you as our Cape Kid for the month of April. William is a 4th grader at Lafayette Avenue School in Chatham, New Jersey, where he spreads kindness daily.

At only 9 years old, William exemplifies what is means to be BETTER THAN THAT™ – he stands up for what is right at all times. If William witnesses another being unkind, he will ask the other person to change his behavior and model kindness, without hesitation. Treating everyone fairly and kindly is incredibly important to William.

William, Wear The Cape Kid of the Month May 2019When William notices that someone is upset, he goes out of his way to cheer up that person with a smile and big hug. “Perhaps the best thing about William is the hug he gives to all he sees. He has a hug so tight that you can literally feel the love he has in his heart for others.” Says mom, Janet.

Spreading kindness is a mission for William. He enjoys reminding others of the importance of Random Acts of Kindness by leaving them notes, with a positive message. Those messages are attached to a friendship bracelet that he makes with love. Writing kindness poems and sharing with others is also a joy for William. One of his goals is to write a “kindness book” when he is older.

William is Autistic. During the month of April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, William and his family chose to “Light it Up Blue” to raise awareness for his disability. He also visited his Aunt Amy’s classroom, where he read the book I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism to fourth and fifth graders in order to educate them about what life can be like for a child who is on the Autism Spectrum. William was not only very comfortable reading to groups of children he had never met before, but he read with such expression and confidence that he soon earned high praise from the students. William graciously and honestly answered all of their questions. The students left the classroom feeling more educated and better prepared, should they encounter someone who “sees things differently.”

In response to his visit, Aunt Amy replied, “This little boy with a big heart can be the example for many adults who need to remember to be kind to all and accept others as they are,”

Although Autism may cause William to see things differently than others, one thing he sees unconditionally is kindness. Thank you, William, for spreading kindness and making a difference in the world! We are very proud of you.

Cape Kid of the Month - Mallory Aronne: The teen who left kindness as her legacy!

Cape Kid of the Month – Mallory Aronne: The teen who left kindness as her legacy!

Cape Kid of the Month - Mallory Aronne: The teen who left kindness as her legacy!
Cape Kid of the Month – Mallory Aronne: The teen who left kindness as her legacy!

Mallory Aronne, an 8th-grader at Rumson Country Day School in Rumson, New Jersey, had a mission! She wanted to leave a legacy at her school, before graduating this May. She decided she wanted her legacy to be her kindness.

After mentioning the idea to her mother, Mallory rolled up her sleeves. She designed the mission, spoke with her head of school and service coordinator, and ironed out details until her vision became a reality.  She then enlisted the help of teachers, parent coordinators, and the student council to launch her mission. These adults were so inspired by her heart that they held a special assembly for the students, which discussed spreading positivity.

Mallory’s mission to spread kindness was not the first time she left a special mark in her school.
Mallory’s mission to spread kindness was not the first time she left a special mark in her school.

Using the school’s four pillars – Kind, Honest, Responsible, Respectful – Mallory created and distributed a checklist of simple ways her schoolmates could spread kindness throughout the school over the course of a week. Several ideas included holding the door for others, saying, “thank you,” and visiting classrooms to play a special game or read a story.  The week-long challenge ended with a bake sale, from which proceeds were donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s pediatric cardiac unit.

In addition to her kindness challenge, Mallory is involved in the school chorus and is excited about beginning cross country and track in high school.
In addition to her kindness challenge, Mallory is involved in the school chorus and is excited about beginning cross country and track in high school.

In addition to her kindness challenge, Mallory is involved in the school chorus and is excited about beginning cross-country and track in high school. She also takes vocal and keyboarding lessons outside of school, as well as kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu at a local gym. What’s more, she is presently working towards receiving her confirmation at church.

Mallory’s mission to spread kindness was not the first time she left a special mark in her school. When in 6thgrade, Mallory courageously spoke during an assembly at Rumson Country Day School’s Upper School about her struggle with anxiety. She speaks openly and honestly about mental health issues and concerns, with her friends and adults.

Mallory shared, “As children/young adults, it can be hard to find ways to make a positive change in your community. In the end, it doesn’t matter if what you did is big or small. What matters is that you made an effort to impact someone’s day, and maybe even make it a bit brighter.”

Her mother Sarah Ahmadi proudly states, “I’m doubly impressed that she had the courage and drive to see this large-scale project through.”

It is amazing to see the great impact one person can make for so many. Mallory, you certainly did this at your school, as well as inspiring us at Wear the Cape. We are incredibly proud of you for acting on your idea and for spreading kindness.

If you have an amazing kid whom you would like to nominate for Wear the Cape’s Cape Kid of the Month, please email leighann@wearthecapekids.com.

Cape Kid of the Month – Michael Ricciardi: Volunteering from the Heart

Michael RicciardiIt is a pleasure to introduce to you Michael Ricciardi as our Cape Kid of the Month for the month of November. Michael has grown up with many great role-models, including his parents and three older siblings. He watched his older sister and brothers volunteer and help others throughout his childhood. Observing the sense of pride and accomplishment that his siblings received from volunteering, gave Michael the desire to volunteer himself.

Like most 11th graders, Michael is very busy. Every summer, he travels between Virginia and Massachusetts for his summer travel team’s lacrosse tournaments. During the school year, in addition to his school studies at Mendham High School, in New Jersey, he plays on the varsity Lacrosse team. This is something he has done since his Freshman year. He also plays intramural basketball with his friends noting that, “It is competitive along with being a fun time.”

Michael Ricciardi and sister Brielle RicciardiMichael admits that finding time to volunteer is difficult. However, he finds time in his off season schedule because he also knows the reward is great. “What motivates me as a volunteer is helping people and giving back my time while not seeking anything monetary in return. It makes me feel good and that I am accomplishing something good in the world,” he states.

For the past 4 years Michael has volunteered at Glen Ridge’s Rotary Turkey Drive, where he hauls heavy turkey donations to gathering trucks, where they then go to those in need. This was done, always with a smile, in rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

Taking his passion for lacrosse and turning it into a volunteer experience, Michael assists younger children at Kiddie LAX programs in his town. During the summer months, he volunteers at a children’s reading and writing camp. His director stated that Michael is, “kind, caring, and hard working.” He has also helped to prepare a reception for Confirmation candidates at St. Joseph’s Church, in Mendham, NJ.

Michael’s compassion and generosity have not gone unnoticed. He was chosen by his church administration to be on the SEARCH teen retreat team. His role was to provide a religious weekend for his peers, while making it fun. His biggest challenge was to suspend all cell phone use throughout the weekend. Although this was tough, it was beneficial. It allowed those teens in attendance to form new friendships without the use of technology.

Next June, Michael will be going on a mission trip to Kentucky to help the underprivileged in Appalachia. In this one week he will spend his time helping families better their living conditions, by assisting in rebuilding and restructuring their current homes.

Michael’s mother, Debra Ricciardi shared, “Michael is a very humble and kind young man. He is very caring and a good hearted person. He has a great sense of humor and fits well in any situation. He is confident and demonstrates maturity.”

Thank you Michael for showing others that it’s COOL TO BE KIND through serving others. You are a great rolemodel and we are grateful for what you give back to the world.

To nominate a Cape Kid, please contact Leighann@wearthecapekids.com.

In Kindness,
Leigh Ann Errico