The Student of the Month for February is Nolan Papineau, a Grade 12 student at Belle River District High School. Nolan is a true role model for this month’s theme of “kindness”.
“Nolan Papineau is the kindest student I have ever known,” says STEPS department head Ms. Sovran. “If you were to survey our classroom and ask, “Who is your best friend?”, almost all the students would answer, “Nolan!”. Our non-verbal students would not say his name, but they would point to him and give him a big hug. This is because Nolan exudes natural kindness. But, like anything else in this world, skills take practice to develop, and Nolan practices kindness daily. To him, he is just being kind, but to others, he is the most thoughtful and accepting student in the room.”
When Joel needs help with the lid of his Thermos at lunchtime, he finds Nolan. When Leo and Poornima need someone to turn on the music and dance along with them, they find Nolan. When Isaac wants a friend to swim with on Friday nights, he asks Nolan. When Elise needs help getting her wheelchair through the doorway, Nolan is there. When someone does a kind gesture for Nolan, he writes them a heartfelt and sincere letter of thanks. And when a friend is having a tough time learning something new, Nolan never underestimates or criticizes their ability. Instead, he is there to offer a kind smile and encouraging words. Nolan is patient and tolerant, knowing that his friends can do anything that they set their minds to. Students know that they are safe and cared for with Nolan by their side. Nolan’s simple acts of kindness change lives every single day at Belle River, and students are so fortunate to have him as a role model at school.
Congratulations Nolan for being selected by Student Senate as the February Student of the Month for the theme of “kindness”.