Weave the Web

Kids of Character: 

Emerson Ouellette

 

articles.sun-sentinel.com ORIGINAL PAGE •January 11, 2013

 

Trait: Tolerance:  Emerson makes a beeline to anybody she feels is being left out. That's why she befriended a new student who was struggling on his first day in school and later invited him to play basketball with her. And that's why she often plays at recess with students who have autism. She left a very positive impression on one in particular.

 

Emerson says she feels "bad for anybody who is alone." She likes for them be with other kids. Sometimes others join in when they see Emerson playing with the students, especially those who have autism, and she is happy about that. Emerson tries to make all people feel good about themselves. She figures they ought to be able to have as much fun as she does. She sets a strong example in all she does and is viewed as a positive role model for the student body. Some classmates say that they act nicer around Emerson because they know she likes to be kind to everyone.

 

Teacher, Lauren Scott: During the first week of school, we received a new student in our class. He was completely overwhelmed and spent the day crying. Without being asked, Emerson went up to her new classmate and began to talk to him about our classroom, the students and the school. She made him feel welcome, and he was able to stop crying. Later that same day, Emerson noticed that the little boy was alone at recess. She walked over to him with a basketball and asked him if he'd like to shoot hoops with her. Emerson showed a tremendous amount of kindness that day, and I will not forget it.

 

We have the same recess time as a group of students with autism at our school. She plays with them in the sand and helps them build objects with sand. She treats everyone with respect, and I have never heard her say an unkind thing about anyone else. Emerson was playing in the sand one day when a little girl came up to her. Emerson welcomed the little girl to play and taught her how to make a nature habitat with sand, leaves, rocks and little plants. The teacher of the student with autism remarked that the little girl went back to class and kept talking about her new friend, Emerson.

 

When asked, our entire class would say that Emerson is the kindest person they know. She sets a wonderful example for how to treat others. As a teacher, I am often moved by Emerson's displays of kindness to those around her.

 

Parents, Ashley and Dean Ouellette: Emerson has always had a very caring and sweet side. She wants others to be included. She is always aware of how people treat each other. She always tries to treat other people how she would want to be treated. Emerson is often the first to recognize an injustice and to mention it. She has a real understanding of right and wrong. Emerson tries to have students included in whatever activity is going on. Emerson is all about everybody having a good time and enjoying the day as a group.

 

Emerson Ouellette: I chose to go over and play basketball with Denzel because he was playing all by himself, and I felt that no one should play alone. I also play with some kids with autism because no one will really play with them. So I feel bad for them, and I will go and play. Nobody ever played with him but some students do now. I am motivated to play with these kids because everybody should be having fun every day.

 

I enjoy it because it makes me feel good and puts a smile on my face because I know they're having fun. I feel happy inside and like to teach the others how to build tunnels and to show them how to throw a basketball. I think they are happy to see someone being nice to others. I think the impact on others is that they can share the kindness with others. I exhibit these traits every day except on the weekend with my older sister (who's four years older). Sometimes we fight but we make up. — John W. Chace