Second graders at West Hartford’s Aiken Elementary School held a ‘Real Kids Wear Pink’ event in late October to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Aiken students collected donations totaling nearly $2,000 for the American Cancer Society. NBC Connecticut’s Bob Maxon, right, helped with the check presentation. Submitted photo

Submitted

Aiken Elementary was host to a celebration on Thursday, Oct. 24, to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As part of the curriculum, second graders have been learning about how kids can make a difference. In that spirit, student Jacquelyn Kobs asked her teacher if they could hold a “Real Kids Wear Pink” campaign for the American Cancer Society.

In an effort to empower and inspire her students, teacher Allison Bohle threw her support behind Jacquelyn. She sent an email to the parents, emphasizing “this plan was 100% kid created and the teachers just let the children run with it.”

The plan soon spread to the other to second grade classrooms, and ultimately the entire school, as the children were encouraged to wear pink as part of “Spirit Week.” The unit culminated Oct. 24 with a ceremony in the cafeteria.

As teachers and parents watched on, the second graders created a luminaria by arranging decorated bags with glow sticks. They then led a discussion of the work done by the American Cancer Society, and ways that the children can help them help other.

Gym teacher Daniel Golden led the group in some yoga poses to breathe in good energy and send out good wishes to those battling cancer. This was followed by a rousing chorus of Bruno Mars’s “You Can Count On Me” so the students can show their love and support for one another and their community.

Local weatherman Bob Maxon was on hand to speak with the children, and to help present the donation the children collected – a check for nearly $2,000 to the American Cancer Society.

The children were then treated to a special visit from the “Snowmonster” mobile weather station.

The ceremony was moving, as the adults looked on in awe of our youngest citizens and their commitment to helping others.  Our community is grateful to have such civic minded young people, and a school system that encourages them.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!

Aiken second graders with the luminary they created for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Submitted photo

Real Kids Wear Pink event at Aiken Elementary School. Submitted photo

Aiken’s gym teacher leads students in yoga poses at the Real Kids Wear Pink event. Submitted photo