McGinn School is BETTER THAN THAT™

October 10, 2019 twhimsLeave a comment

Today we visited the McGinn School, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where we presented two HERO assembly programs to their K-2 grade and 3-4th grade students.

The faculty and students of McGinn were so engrossed in our Hero videos that you could hear a pin drop in the room. They immediately began using the super hero strategies we taught during our program. At the end of our assembly, all stood up, in their best super hero pose, and cheered, “I will be a hero!”

After our first show, one second grader stepped out of his class line with an important message for his principal. He stopped and said, “Thank you SO much for bringing this assembly to our school.” The principal told us she has never had a student go out of his way to thank her for such a wonderful assembly. We are so honored that you loved our program!

As we approach the end of the Week of Respect, we remind you that you can be a HERO to someone every day, not just during one week in October. We encourage you to stand up for others, to choose to do the right thing, and to be BETTER THAN THAT™ – better than poor choices, better than others who are not being heroic, and better than what’s not right.

BE A HERO! We believe in you and are counting on you to stand up and choose kindness!

If you would like to bring our Hero Assembly to your school, please contact leighann@wearthecapekids.com.

Cape Kid of the Month – Dean Ciccarelli – May 2018

May 29, 2018May 29, 2018 twhimsLeave a comment

It is a privilege to name Dean Ciccarelli as our Cape Kid for the month of May. Dean, who is a student at Chatham High School, in New Jersey dedicates much of his time to kindness…and we are incredibly proud!

Dean has been involved in his school’s sports teams, as he was a member of the Cougar’s varsity wrestling team and freshman lacrosse team. As well, he has shown great commitment and determination to both himself and his peers, as he spent seven years training to become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, when he was a fifth grader. When he was overwhelmed and wanted to quit, Dean persisted until he reached his goal.

With all this, Dean makes time to volunteer, and serve his community, on a regular basis. Each year Dean is a Cape Kid volunteer at kidkind foundation’s holiday event, where he collects guests’ donations for our military overseas and gifts for underprivileged children. Also at this event, he works with our youngest Cape Kids to help facilitate a fun evening.

Along with his Youth Ministry group, Dean volunteers to make food for the homeless throughout the year. He also volunteered at a local food pantry with his lacrosse team, to help those in need.

Dean has been a constant source of support to Wear the Cape, his family, and friends. His mom, Ann states, “Since the day he was able to talk we knew that Dean was going to be one special kid. He has always been wiser than his years and always has been very concerned with others well being. I have seen various occasions where Dean has seen something that just didn’t seem “right” to him and stepped in to make sure that kids are OK and not being treated poorly. “

With this in mind, it came as no surprise that Dean met with his superintendent of schools to propose a kidkind kindness club, which he will facilitate, in his district’s elementary schools. It is Dean’s goal to work with middle school students to help transition them to middle and high school, while promoting kindness, heroism, good character and being BETTER THAN THAT™. As Dean states, “Being BETTER THAN THAT™ is doing good things, whether that means to be accepting of someone or to even just hold the door for someone.”

Dean, we thank you for your commitment to kindness. You are a true example of being BETTER THAN THAT™ and we are excited to see your kidkind club come to fruition.

Erin O’Boyle is the May 2017 Cape Kid of the Month

May 18, 2017May 18, 2017 twhimsLeave a comment

Meet Erin O’Boyle, A Star on and Off the Field

It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our Cape Kid of the Month, Erin O’Boyle. Erin is a freshman at Georgian Court University in New Jersey. As most college students, Erin can be found studying in the library, attending classes, “hanging out” with her friends, and playing softball with the Lady Lions.

From the time she was in second grade, Erin has been helping others. When she was just eight years old, Erin would go to a family friend’s house every day after school to help a mother with three very young boys. She would play with the boys, help change diapers, and assist with homework.

Shortly after beginning third grade, Erin became an Alter Server at St. Theresa’s Parish in Kenilworth, New Jersey, where she continues to serve to date. During her elementary school years Erin could be found helping others on a regular basis. Her mother, Merrily, proudly exclaims that teachers always praised Erin for her selflessness and the care and compassion she gave to her classmates. She never hesitated to stand up for someone or for what was right.

As Erin grew into a fine young woman, her heart only grew bigger. She blossomed into a talented softball player, who was a valued member of the David Brearly Bears Girls Basketball and Softball Team. Her former high school teacher, Mrs. Marranca, commented that, “Erin is a joy to have in class. She can often be found helping others and strives to be the best she can.”

During the last three years of High School, Erin gave up two to three weeks of her summer to volunteer at Smart Fun Camps, where she helped students with reading, writing, and math. She also volunteered in her church’s Youth Group and continued her Alter Serving at church.

In a Fios News 1 segment on Wear The Cape, Erin expressed her gratitude to Wear the Cape for our work with young children. She stated how proud she was to be a part of such a special organization that helps others. “It’s important to help others,” she proclaimed – and this is how she lives her life.

Even with her tough college courses and softball schedule, Erin continues to find time to help others. Rather than go to an island for Spring Break, Erin volunteered to spend one week helping to rebuild an old house as a service project with Habitat for Humanity.

Erin has shown us that you can bring good works and kindness with you to college. Thank you, Erin for being a great Cape Kid and for Wearing YOUR Cape daily.