When 1st grader Jordan Thompkins saw one of his classmates sitting alone during group activities at Stone Avenue Elementary, he took swift action.
“He approached the girl and invited her to join his group's activity," said his teacher, Irma Hartsock. “He then stopped his own activity to assist the girl with the task, offering encouragement and kind words. He made her feel included and valued. The smile on her face brought a tear to my eye."
Jordan – who routinely models such grace and compassion – is one of two Jurupa students honored during the Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation's HERO Awards. Jordan received a HERO Award while Hailey Bisbee, an 8th grader at Jurupa Middle School, earned special recognition from the HERO program. The quarterly awards are conferred on Riverside County students who demonstrate exceptional kindness and inclusion – and help prevent bullying.
Bianca Gonzalez, Bullying Prevention Program Coordinator for the RMC Charitable Foundation, praised both students: “Jordan was deserving of the HERO award due to his kind-hearted behavior toward peers. He is a true HERO. And Hailey deserved to be specially recognized for her wonderful leadership skills as ASB president."
“I feel honored because I know there are lots of deserving people and that many others have done things that might be bigger than what I did, but it is nice to be honored for the small things I have done to help people," said Hailey, who also participates in softball, volleyball, and choir at Jurupa Middle.
Her teacher, Denai Brower, wrote, “I am nominating Hailey because of her amazing leadership skills. She is someone who speaks up for others even though it might not always be the popular decision. She is courageous in her actions and always reacts to situations with a kind heart and strong moral compass."
Jordan, also praised for his courage, learned of his award during school announcements.
“I felt good when I heard my name," he said. “Mrs. Hartsock told me that I was chosen because I was doing good things for the school and that I always helped other kids. She said I was always making sure other kids could play."
Mrs. Hartsock said, “Jordan has a gift for inspiring others in a way that lifts their spirit and enables success. He deserves this award above other heroes because he has exemplified what we hope all children will aspire to be. In fact, he surpasses standards of human kindness that many adults hope to reach."
For more information on the HERO Awards and related resources, please visit
www.rmccharity.org.
