Pacific Beach Kids Win Awards for Kindness and Leadership

When Isaac Stratton noticed his fifth-grade classmates goofing off during a reading activity, he didn't complain to the teacher. He calmly asked everyone what character they wanted to be and got the whole group organized.

That quiet leadership earned Isaac one of eight Hope of America awards given this week by the Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach. Students from three local elementary schools gathered at Broken Yolk Cafe for a surprise celebration of their character and academic excellence.

The winners didn't see it coming. Teacher Ana Estrella says students often don't recognize their own positive impact, which makes the surprise even sweeter.

Harold Robison won his award for being a friend to everyone. His teacher says in 27 years of teaching, she's never seen a more universally liked student. Harold shrugs off the praise, saying kindness just comes naturally to him.

Brylie Wong showed courage that went beyond the classroom. When she saw classmates cyberbullying a friend in a group chat at 9 p.m., she broke her own iPad rules to alert her mom and help stop it. Her parents say that mature decision-making sets a powerful example for other kids.

Ryder White earned such a reputation for kindness that strangers noticed. His dad recalls getting a Facebook message from someone who watched Ryder and his friends being exceptionally nice to others at the park.

At Kate Sessions Elementary, William Murillo leads by quietly noticing when classmates struggle and offering help. Saranya Hedge teaches her peers about Indian culture every year, creating PowerPoint presentations about Diwali so everyone can learn about the festival of lights.

Sunny's Take

These eight kids prove that leadership doesn't require a loud voice or a title. Sometimes it looks like organizing friends during a reading activity, standing up to bullies online, or making sure the new kid feels welcome. Their teachers and parents see something special, even when the kids themselves don't realize how brightly they shine.

Each student received a plaque and a $25 gift card to Mr. Frostie, a local ice cream shop that's been serving the community since 1949.