Student teaches generous lesson
One California Area School District student is showing how to “pay it forward.”
Fourth grader Raymond James (R.J.) Mattie, recently donated a generous portion of money he received for his birthday to the local PTO which uses funds to assist in planning events for elementary students in the district. James demonstrated that it doesn’t take a miracle to make a difference.
“I just wanted other kids to have something too. They probably need it more than I do,” James said.
His mom, Lisa, said that she was not surprised by her son’s action.
“That’s just the way he has always been. He knows that he is blessed and wants others to feel as lucky as he is.”
Those who know James agree that what he did was a great gesture of giving.
In fact, the only one who isn’t making a big deal about the donation is James.
“I wanted to buy a video game but this was more important. I can always get that later.”
Beth Markle and Scott Urbanek, educators with Intermediate Unit 1, collectively said it just demonstrates students sometimes serve as teachers.