Boy with Down Syndrome Wins School Kindness Award, Can't Contain His Excitement on Stage
School can be stressful. In an environment where students are learning, developing friendships and growing up all at once, a little kindness can go a long way.
Mill Creek Middle School in Georgia hosted a graduation ceremony for their eighth-graders last Thursday. The school recognized its students for going above and beyond in the classroom and, in one particular case, for being extraordinarily kind.
Christopher Yancy, a 15-year-old student born with Down syndrome, was thrilled when he heard he’d been chosen to receive the school’s Kindness Award.
A video that has since gone viral revealed the extent of Christopher’s excitement. When his name was called, the boy immediately jumped up from his chair.
Christopher gave his fellow students high fives as he made his way to the stage. Once onstage, he greeted his school’s faculty with a bright smile and more high fives.
The student jumped and danced for joy across the stage. The excitement was contagious — his audience of eighth-graders clapped and cheered as their classmate received the award. Christopher acknowledged them with a heartfelt shout and wave.
Christopher’s mother, Brenda Page, was proud of her son for being the kindest kid in school.
“It touches my heart that he got it for kindness. It means more to me than straight A’s or perfect attendance,” Page told WSB-TV.
Page said the Kindness Award was perfect for a “social butterfly” like her son.
“The boy wakes up with a smile on his face every single day. How many people can say their teenager is always happy?” Page said.
Christopher was enrolled in special-needs classes at Mill Creek Middle School and will be moving up to high school following his graduation celebration.
“He was so excited,” Page said. “He kept saying, ‘Mommy, I’m graduated!'”
Page is thankful that Christopher’s peers have loved him so well.
“He loves people, and I just think that’s wonderful,” Page said. “I’m so blessed to have so many students embrace him and love him back. Not just the students, but the parents.”
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