Kiwanis Honors TERRIFIC Kids

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island hosted TERRIFIC Kids from the fifth grade at Tommie Barfield Elementary School on Wednesday, October 12, at Ori’s Bakery. TERRIFIC stands for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive, and Capable. The teacher from each class nominates one student who best represents these qualities. Joining us were Zac Massie and Madi Knudtson, two Key Club members from Marco Island Academy, as well as TBE Principal Amanda Kubin and members of the Marco Island Police Department.

Teacher Mrs. Kerens nominated Jozue Lopez Perez and stated that Jozue is always ready in every situation. He is the first to be ready to learn, to offer help to others, to smile at a classmate, to compliment and cheer on others. He is eager to learn and develop his skills to make this world a better place. Jozue stated that his family is the very best and his pets are like his children. If he had one million dollars and could not keep it, he would give the money to unhoused people or donate it to a hospital. If he was in charge one day in school, he would take the class on a field trip to a museum to look for mysterious things. When he grows up, he wants to be a soccer player or to build and sell houses. His very favorite meal is pizza with ice cream.

Mrs. Pena nominated Olivia Walsh as her TERRIFIC Kid and stated that Olivia consistently demonstrates kindness, responsibility, and respect in everything she does. She is a thoughtful leader who sets a positive example for her classmates and is always willing to help others. Her positive attitude and strong character make her a wonderful role model and a deserving recipient of this nomination. Olivia said that her Mom does real estate and cooks a lot, her Dad fixes things, and her brother James likes cowboys. If she had a million dollars that she could not keep, she would donate it, give it to her parents, or to the unhoused. If she was in charge for one day, she would take her class to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to learn about Michelangelo. When she grows up, she wants to be an actress. Her favorite meal would be steak with potatoes, a Cinnamon roll, and lemonade.

Ms. Fisher nominated her student Meghan Dolan and stated that Meghan is a kind, outgoing student who brings a positive attitude to the classroom each day. She always tries her best and puts forth great effort. She is friendly, respectful, and makes those around her feel welcome. She is a pleasure to have in class. Meghan’s family consists of her Mom, her Dad, her brother, and a dog. If she had one million dollars she could not keep, she would give it to an orphanage, nursing home, or people in need. If she could take her class for a field trip anywhere, she would go to Tropical Smoothie and learn how to make smoothies. When she grows up, she wants to be an actress. Her favorite meal would be steak, hot fudge, and a piña colada.

Teacher Mrs. Dolan nominated Jimmy Willmeng as her TERRIFIC Kid. She stated that having the opportunity to teach this outstanding young man in both third and fifth grade has been a true blessing. Jimmy is one of the sweetest students she has had the pleasure of teaching, and he consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and dedication to doing his very best, even when challenges arise. He has gone above and beyond to help welcome new students to our school, always making sure they feel included, supported, and valued. His compassion shines through in everything he does. When his classmates were asked to describe him in one word, they chose words such as calm, loyal, patient, funny, leader, and grit, a reflection of the respect and admiration they have for him. He leads by example, treats others with kindness, and embodies the character traits that make him a truly TERRIFIC Kid. In addition to his parents, Jimmy has an older brother, a younger sister, and four dogs. If he had one million dollars he could not keep, he would donate to the animal shelter, to Veterans, and to orphanages. If he could take his class on a field trip, he would go to the White House and see democracy in action. He wants to meet the President. When he grows up, Jimmy wants to be an EMT. His favorite meal is spaghetti.

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island congratulates these TERRIFIC Kids, their families, and their teachers. Kiwanis meets the third Wednesday of the month at Ori’s Bakery at 7:00 AM for breakfast to honor these future leaders, and also meets the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM at The Burrow for their evening meetings. If you are interested in joining the Kiwanis family, contact Membership Chair Cindy Crane at lucindaed@aol.com.