Kiwanis’ Terrific Kids

by Pat Holmes

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island has begun another year of saluting the Terrific Kids in our area’s elementary schools. Recently, they were joined by the children of Tommie Barfield Elementary School along with the children from the Manatee Elementary School. Teachers from the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades select a child from their classes each month to be honored as a Terrific Kid.

Besides the teacher writing a short note as to why this particular child was selected, the students provide information such as their favorite book and movie, what they want to be when they grow up, family members and why they are special. The recipient receives a plaque honoring them as a Terrific Kid signed by the Kiwanis member and teacher, a Terrific Kid t-shirt and pencil. They are also honored on the school news broadcast. The children enjoy a

breakfast with their parents and sometimes siblings and grandparents and the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island.

The members of the Kiwanis Club were impressed with the remarks from each teacher along with the future professions of these children: a veterinarian, a lawyer, a criminal attorney, a doctor, a dance instructor, and an author! These kids deserve the continued congratulations for all their hard work and good behavior. As we know, it takes great parents and a supportive community to raise good “terrific” kids.

Gayle Thawley is the chairperson for the Terrific Kid program with Gina Sisbarro as her assistant.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island, please call Pat Holmes at 394-6404. Kiwanis meet every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. at O’Donoghue’s Irish Bar & Grill, 969 N. Collier Blvd. Royal Palm Plaza, Marco Island, FL. Visitors are always welcome.