Way to Go!: Nicholas Mourelatos, of Elwood
Nicholas Mourelatos was recognized last month for an "exceptional act of kindness" by his district's Board of Education. He is pictured with, from left, Principal Christina Sapienza, Elwood Board of Education member Deborah Weiss, and Elwood Superintendent Kenneth Bossert. Credit: Elwood School District
An Elwood Middle School student was honored recently by the district’s leaders for organizing a fundraiser to buy gifts for a sick classmate.
Sixth-grader Nicholas Mourelatos, 11, initiated the idea for the student, a girl who was absent because of a serious medical condition, school officials said.
He raised about $100 by asking other students to donate what they could during lunch periods over the course of one week in December.
Nicholas was recognized with a certificate by the Elwood school district’s Board of Education last month for exemplifying “the pillars of respect, responsibilities and relationships.”
“I just felt really bad about what was happening to her,” said Nicholas, adding that he wanted his classmate to know that she had not been forgotten.
The gifts included a jewelry-making kit, a thermos-decorating kit and a gift card, with Nicholas contributing additional money of his own to meet the balance. His family delivered the gifts to the girl’s family.
“We’re so proud of you for turning your heartfelt concerns into action,” Principal Christina Sapienza said to Nicholas during the board meeting. “You’ve acted as a true friend and role model for your peers.”
Nicholas also is involved in his school’s science and theater clubs and enjoys jiujitsu.— Michael R. Ebert
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
