When a group of fifth-grade boys noticed a fellow student with a learning disability being bullied, they decided enough was enough. It’s never easy to see someone being picked on, and these kids took it to heart.
The crew of five pals — Max Thompson, Ryan Allen, Ben Wilson, Chris Martinez, and Oliver Reed — saw their classmate, Nathan Green, struggling on the playground. “Why would anyone pick on him?” Max started, with Ryan chiming in, “Yeah, especially someone with special needs?” Nathan had been the target of teasing, and the boys realized it was time to step in. “They were exploiting him because it was easier,” Ryan explained to KARE 11. “That’s just not cool,” Max added.
Determined to stand by Nathan, they invited him to join them for lunch and included him in their recess activities. Their teacher believes that the anti-bullying lessons from school played a part, but the boys’ kindness truly exceeded all expectations. Nathan’s mom shared that he used to dread recess. “It was a challenge for him,” she said. “Now, he can’t wait to finish his lunch just to get outside and play with those guys. We just got a basketball hoop last week because he’s fallen in love with basketball. They are really changing his life.”
When the boys learned that Nathan didn’t have a gaming console, they pooled their allowances and bought him one. They delivered it to his home, and his mom noticed that all of them were “grinning from ear to ear.” It was the first time Nathan had friends over to hang out and play.
By the end of the school year, this group of friends was nominated for a Spirit of Youth award. However, they insist that the honor is secondary to the genuine friendship they’ve formed. They opened their hearts to someone who is different and discovered that Nathan had so much to offer in return. “He’s an awesome kid to spend time with,” Ryan said, while Nathan proclaimed, “These guys are the best friends anyone could ask for!”
We could all learn a thing or two from these young heroes. Check out the video that might just bring a tear to your eye (or at least make your eyes “sweat” a little).
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In summary, a group of fifth-grade boys took it upon themselves to support a classmate facing bullying, demonstrating the true meaning of friendship and compassion. Their actions not only uplifted Nathan but transformed their social dynamic, providing a valuable lesson for all.