Inspirational Kids News Summaries by title
Courageous Daisy's date with the Queen
Brave Hayley, 10, fights off would-be abductor
Giving happiness inspires Girl Scout’s patch design
Autistic girl’s remarkable TV role
Bindi Irwin honours father’s commitment
A new life for Sarah
Holly, 7, shows dash of courage
Wonderkid Thomas inspiration to all kids
A young role model
Training center offers hope for Acehnese children
Stories help young quake survivors forget pain
Look mum I can walk, says courageous Harry
Temecula’s own 10-year-old entrepreneur
Inspirational Student Doesn’t Let Handicap Keep Her From Archery
12-year-old raises money for breast cancer, abused kids
Flat blaze hero
The brave boy who inspired his classmates
6 To Grow On: An inspirational volunteer
Students inspire staff with courage
Valley View student honored by WDHA-FM
‘This kid is amazing’
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Courageous Daisy’s date with the Queen
5th April 2007
South Manchester Reporter, visit www.southmanchesterreporter.co.uk
The Reporter profiled a remarkable 6-year-old who has raised a large sum of money for cancer charities. Daisy Sutton, from East Didsbury in the United Kingdom recently lost her mum to cancer. Since her mum’s death, Daisy Sutton has uplifted her friends, family and community with her bravery and determination. After her mother had died Daisy felt compelled to help other cancer sufferers and started raising funds for cancer charities. In just a few months Daisy has raised nearly one thousand pounds. The inspiring 6-year-old was nominated by her relatives in a competition to meet the Queen. Daisy won a chance to present a bouquet of flowers to the Queen at Manchester Cathedral. Daisy Sutton told the reporter “I’m really very excited about meeting the Queen – I’ve only ever seen her on television before. My teachers have really helped me with the fund-raising over the past few months”. Daisy’s father told The Reporter how Daisy’s attitude had given a lift to the spirits of others. “I’m already incredibly proud of Daisy – and I couldn’t be more proud now that she’s been chosen for the honour of meeting the Queen”.
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Brave Hayley, 10, fights off would-be abductor
13th February 2007
This story told how a 10-year-old bravely fought off an attacker who attempted to abduct her as she walked to school in Ireland. The brave child managed to kick the attacker in the stomach and escape. Hayley Mills’ relieved mother told The Sligo Weekender of her admiration for her daughter’s display of courage. “I am so proud of her. She stood up for herself but I thought the worst”. Hayley’s mum Michelle added, “Hayley is a very independent little girl and has four brothers so she knows how to stand up for herself”. Fortunately Hayley Mills was not injured and was not sexually abused during the attack. Parents in the area have been advised to be cautious and supervise their children on the way to school. Hayley’s Mum expressed her relief to the reporter. “It is every parent’s nightmare and I feel so guilty that I did not bring her to school that morning”.
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Giving happiness inspires Girl Scout’s patch design
5th December 2006
By Allen Howard
This delightful article in The Enquirer reported on how Ella Dorsey, an 8-year-old third grader had contributed to an important community service project in the local area. The idea for a patch design “Giving happiness in all directions – and being happy about it” came from the young student at Kilgour School. The patch will be an integral part of a program called “Girl Scouts Give Shelter”. Ella told the reporter about the significance of the patch. “This was designed to mean that you should feel happy for others”. The patch features a large heart with a radiant smile together with the sun and moon. According to Sheree Allgood, Ella’s troop leader, “I believe the design really captures the spirit of the program”.
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Autistic girl’s remarkable TV role
4th November 2006
By David Powles
The Norwich Evening News reported on an upcoming documentary that teaches children how to interact with those who are different. The subject of the documentary presented on TV program A Different Life is Rosie Mould, an 11-year-old girl who suffers from autism. Rosie’s autism causes her to have difficulty interacting with others and makes it hard to complete many daily tasks like going to school or shopping. Rosie is taught in her home and has few friends. The program however highlights the remarkable affection and support Rosie receives from her older brother Josh, aged 12. Josh is able to interact with Rosie in a meaningful and constructive way. Rosie’s mother, Michelle Mould told The Norwich Evening News about the special relationship between her kids and her thoughts regarding the TV program. “I am hoping this will be good for other children to see that there is a special bond between the two youngsters, despite all of Rosie’s problems”. She spoke in glowing terms about her remarkable young boy. “His attitude has been brilliant, he doesn’t feel that life is unfair or that he is missing out in any way, he just accepts that his sister is how she is and he loves her”. Michelle Mould added “Josh understands he has to adapt the way he communicates so she can understand him and he has done that fabulously”.
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Bindi Irwin honours father’s commitment
11th October 2006
By Jonathan Moran
The courage and maturity of Bindi Irwin, daughter of famous wildlife campaigner Steve Irwin has received considerable media attention. Steve Irwin was recently killed in a freak accident while filming a documentary. Many people have been impressed by the courage and poise of his 8-year-old daughter Bindi during this difficult time. Her brave appearance and inspiring words at her father’s memorial service was profoundly moving. The youngster has now become the public face of her father’s charity, Wildlife Warriors, and she seems to have handled the limelight with great composure. The Advertiser told of a recent public appearance at an awards ceremony, maintaining a commitment made by her late father. Referring to her father, Bindi Irwin said “It’s kind of sad that he couldn’t be here but it’s nice that I could do it”. Terri Irwin, Bindi’s mum and wife of Steve told the reporter “It’s wonderful to have a focus on a special night and I know Steve would have been really proud”.
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A new life for Sarah
12th September 2006
Sunderland Today reported on the nomination of Sarah Laing for a prestigious award for courage and community service. Sarah Laing was diagnosed with a rare condition that affected her kidney function when she was just 18 months of age. For many years her life has been ruled by the routine of dialysis. Three days a week, Sarah has needed to go to hospital for the life-saving treatment. Sarah Laing has survived and coped bravely with the demands of her illness. The youngster has also been a source of inspiration to many fellow patients and members of the community. Sarah has been particularly important in lifting the morale of other patients in the hospital. The story describes how Sarah Laing’s life changed dramatically when she received a kidney transplant. Sarah told the reporter that “I do feel more freedom after having the transplant but I still miss the friends I made while on dialysis. My mum thinks I must have got a kidney from someone who was hungry at the time because I eat a lot more now”. Sarah’s mum, Anne, expressed her admiration for her daughter who had remained positive despite her illness. “She has kept strong for me as well as herself. She is my inspirational princess”.
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Holly, 7, shows a dash of courage
12th August 2006
By Braden Quartermaine
The Sunday Times introduced Holly Chisholm, of Morawa, who received a special award for bravery at a recent ceremony. 7-year-old Holly Chisholm saved the lives of her mum and two younger brothers after a motor vehicle accident. Holly Chisholm received a Pride of Australia Award for her life-saving actions. Holly was injured in a road crash at night but managed to escape from the damaged car, help her injured mother and then run 3km to summon help. Holly was forced to return to the accident site. Her mother’s mobile phone rang and Holly had the commonsense to seek help from her father. Throughout the whole event, Holly remained calm and acted with great maturity. After the accident, her mother spoke glowingly about the actions of the brave child. “That’s how she handles every situation, and that’s how she deals with everything …she’s very responsible”.
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Wonderkid Thomas inspiration to all kids
11th August 2006
By Stuart Robinson
Thomas Hume, aged 11, has an infectious enthusiasm and energy that uplifts all those around him. This report describes how Thomas has battled against illness and disability all his life but is always keen to accept challenges and remain active. Thomas inherited a rare condition called Di George Syndrome which weakens the immune system and results in heart problems. Thomas also suffers from asthma and is slightly deaf. Despite all these difficulties, the 11-year-old, from Wakefield rides his bike and participates in all manner of activities. Although he gets tired easily, Thomas refuses to give up or make excuses. A turning point for the youngster came when he started exercising the family dog. Thomas had so much fun playing with the dog, he just kept going from there. This delightful story described how Thomas Hume swims, rides horses and plays football. Thomas’s mum told the reporter about her brave son. “Everything has really taken off for him this summer and he’s so proud of himself that he can do these things and can tell his friends what he’s been up to”.
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A young role model
2nd July 2006
By Lisa Harpole
Marissa Hill is a remarkable 6-year-old with a willingness to help other members of the community who are in need. The Valley News told of Marissa’s involvement in a group called Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that created wigs out of donated hair for children with long term hair loss. After seeing a television advertisement at grandma’s house, Marissa was keen to participate in the program and donate her hair. The article also highlights Marissa’s compassionate behavior at school and in the community. As a result of Marissa’s participation in the Locks of Love program, other people have been inspired to join. Marissa’s mother, Hortencia, told the reporter of her admiration for her community-minded daughter. “I’m proud of her”.
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Training center offers hope for Acehnese children
12th June 2006
By Kanis Dursin
The Jakarta Post detailed efforts to establish a training centre for children living in the tsunami-affected Aceh region of Indonesia. Despite the terrible losses they had suffered in the disaster, the children have an enthusiastic attitude towards learning new skills. The story explained how the area has also been suffering the effects of an ongoing conflict that had severely impacted on the quality of education. Children living in the Aceh region had shown remarkable bravery and resilience. According to Ismail Achmad, a prominent local official, “We hope the training center will help children orphaned by the tsunami so they can stand on their own”. The center offers skills training in areas like fish breeding and boat building.
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Stories help young quake survivors forget pain
10th June 2006
By Sri Wahyuni
Many children in various parts of the world are exposed to trauma and natural disasters. An article in The Jakarta Post told of efforts to help young children cope after a recent earthquake in Indonesia. In a country with limited resources, much of the help after the earthquake came from the local community. The story describes how stories and songs are often used to help the children express their feelings about the situation. Children are encouraged to participate in activities like listening to stories and singing which aids their recovery. Songs, stories and games help the students forget their troubles and promote healing and rebuilding. Storyteller Joko Maryono who visited a village in Bantul told of efforts to help the kids through the recent disaster. “We find it difficult to teach them using traditional methods. Many of the students are still mourning the deaths of relatives. Some of their parents are still being treated in the hospital”. In some areas of Indonesia affected by the May 2006 quake, over 90% of children lost their homes.
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Look mum I can walk, says courageous Harry
5th May 2006
By Miran Rahman
This is Bradford reported on the remarkable courage of toddler Harry Burridge. Harry had contracted meningococcal disease when he was six months old. Recently he needed to have a below the knee amputation because of the effects of the illness. This is Bradford described how despite all these setbacks, the youngster continues to inspire those around him with his bravery. Thanks to an artificial leg, Harry can now run around and play with all his friends. Harry’s mum, Sarah Snowden, told the reporter about the difference the artificial leg had made. “He used to be able to move by crawling so it’s great that he can walk by himself. He now just wants to go everywhere and has no sense of danger. He’s very active”. Harry was recently one of a group of toddlers involved in a fundraiser to combat meningococcal disease.
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Temecula’s own 10-year-old entrepreneur
21st April 2006
By Lisa Harpole
The Valley News reported on an inspirational boy who has shown a flair for business at an early age. The article describes how Jason O’Neill of Temecula has created his collection of small colourful characters which can be attached to pencils and pens. Already Jason has started a website, has a logo, business cards and t-shirts. Jason’s ‘Pencil Bugs’ have proved popular among his peers and encourage kids to study and learn. Jason O’Neill told The Valley News that “I wanted to try to think of something that would help kids with their homework and stuff and be cute and be put on the top of a pencil”. A small percentage of his gross sales is donated to a local charity.
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Inspirational Student Doesn’t Let Handicap Keep Her From Archery
28th March 2006
This brief article described an Archery day near Okmulgee for 4th and 5th grade students. One of the highlights of the day was the participation of Casey Martel, a 4th grader who is disabled but was enthusiastic about her involvement. The 10-year-old had only one good arm to hold the bow but was able to successfully shoot at targets using her teeth. Casey’s friends were deeply proud of her and considered her a hero for having the courage to be involved in the event. Casey Martel’s PE teacher told the reporter about her enthusiasm for the event. “She talked to me every day I wanna go I wanna do this, every day”. The article described how archery is finding new popularity at the present time.
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12-year-old raises money for breast cancer, abused kids
13th March 2006
By Shelly Birkelo
The Gazette reported on a remarkable 12-year-old Middle School student who is inspiring many people with his efforts to raise money for charities. Markus Stuckey, from Edison Middle School has recently commenced raising money for worthwhile causes by selling bracelets. To start on his project, Markus has postponed buying some things for himself. The unselfish youngster told the reporter from The Janesville Gazette that “I thought why would I have fun when I could help raise money for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and for kids who have been abused and don’t get anything?” Markus hopes to raise $1000 and split the proceeds between 2 charities. The inspiring student said that “If I raise over $1000, there’s a greater chance more people might have better lives than they do now”. Despite his hard work and personal sacrifice, Markus Stuckey is finding a sense of reward from his project. “It’s kind of a good thing and fun, too”.
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Flat blaze hero
10th March 2006
By Louisa Barnett
Many brave acts are performed by some of the youngest members of the community. A story reported on the brave, calm and responsible actions of 5-year-old Sean Round from Borehamwood. Sean woke up one morning recently and noticed thick smoke from a fire in the bathroom of the family home. He immediately ran to wake up his mum and her friend who was staying at the house. Sean Pound also had the presence of mind to ring the emergency number for the fire brigade. The youngsters saved the lives of his mother and her friend. The reporter quoted Jim Moran, from the local fire brigade who praised the youngster’s actions. “Sean did an amazing job”. He added “He’s a very brave boy”. Sean’s mother, Anita round was also appreciative of the actions of the boy. “If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here. He’s my little hero and I’m the luckiest mum in the world to have a son like him”.
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The brave boy who inspired his classmates
9th March 2006
By Nigel Gould
This delightful article in The Belfast Telegraph told of the courage of Rory Gracey, aged six who recently told his classmates about his heart illness. Rory bravely explained to his class why he could not run well and play games like football. It was Rory’s decision to make the disclosure to the class. Rory explained to the other children how the doctors had tried to help him. The other students have been accepting and supportive. Rory Gracey’s courage has proved an inspiration for his family, friends and classmates.
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6 To Grow On: An inspirational volunteer
7th March 2006
By Coretta Robinson
This article tells how a young girl from elementary school recently received a special award for her volunteer work. Miranda Dickerson has performed many acts of kindness for fellow students in her school. Her actions have promoted tolerance and understanding. She has also become a positive role model for other children. Miranda Dickerson often volunteers to assist students with special needs. Leah Germelman, a teacher for students with special needs, told the reporter about the significance of the young girl’s actions. “Everything she does is out of sincerity and she’s always here out of love for them”. Many of these special needs students are ignored by other children but Miranda is not deterred by the actions and opinions of others. Miranda’s actions have been recognized at a special ceremony and she was given a special plaque recording her achievement.
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Students inspire staff with courage
17th February 2006
By Phyllis Moore
A report in The News-Argus highlighted the outstanding courage of a group of school students and the critical role played by school counselors in supporting these children. The story concerns achievement awards presented to school counselors in the Wayne County area. Their efforts in supporting needy kids had been truly outstanding. The stories of the children are also quite moving. Some of the stories reported in the article include the following.
Morris Stocks suffers from autism. He has persisted and achieved against the odds.
Sameal Young - mother had battled against lupus for years and recently died.
Jennifer Kominsky was diagnosed with cancer but remains a star student.
Randy Odom, aged 9, was hit by a car and confined to a wheelchair. Despite the accident,
Randy continues to perform well at school and inspires others.
Anna Jones has recovered from a horrific car accident and is rebuilding her life.
The article recognizes the courage of these kids and the efforts of the school counselors who have guided them through their difficult moments.
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Valley View student honored by WDHA-FM
1st February 2006
This article reported on an outstanding community service award received by Zachary Stein, a sixth-grade student at Valley View Middle School. Zachary Stein spends a large amount of time and effort helping less fortunate children. Zachary told the reporter that “I am happiest when I am helping other kids who don’t have as much as I do. It makes me feel really good to see the smiles on the other kids’ faces”. The awards were presented at a function organized by radio station WDHA -FM. Zachary Stein has been helping out in the community since the age of 5 when he assisted at the New Jersey Special Olympics. Zachary Stein has visited orphanages and has provided accommodation to needy kids at home. Zachary is also an enthusiastic fundraiser for charity. A number of other young adults received awards at the function.
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‘This kid is amazing’
9th January 2006
By Randi Block
A report in The Santa Maria Times told of the courage of a remarkable 2-year-old boy with a malignant brain tumor. Jacob Knight was initially thought to have a viral illness but later diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Jacob required an operation to remove the growth which lasted for five hours. The youngster also required radiation and chemotherapy. Jacob’s courage and positive attitude has uplifted his family and the staff at the hospital. Jacob Knight’s mum told the reporter about the brave kid. “This kid is amazing. He’ll get up from treatments and go full blast. He just didn’t like the yucky taste or the tummy aches. That’s all he complained of”. The close support and love of his parents helped Jacob through the ordeal. Recently, he spent Christmas at home with his family. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition but at this stage the signs are good for a full recovery.
