“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.”
— Anne Frank
•••
All children have the capability of extreme kindness and love. As adults, we choose to either nurture or destroy this capability.
Are you programming your children with positive or negative behavior in your home? When used properly, this power of influence can change our world and erode hate from the lives of our youngest citizens.
This month, we recognize Cassie Nale and Nina Board, two young Southern Indiana Extra Milers who demonstrate that we should never underestimate the capacity children have to make a positive difference ... no matter their age.
Nina Board is just 5 years old and she has already influenced more people than she can imagine ... starting with her parents, Kristen and Tommy Board. Kristen explained, “Last Christmas, Nina showed a huge interest in Jesus. She simply couldn’t get enough information to satisfy her interest. At the time, we didn’t attend church regularly. Nina started asking if she could attend church more often and was concerned if we didn’t go each week.”
Nina described how she feels about church, “I want to know about Jesus and I really like children’s church.” Because of Nina’s strong personal desire to be part of a church community, her family, including younger sister Isabella, now attend regularly.
When I asked this wide-eyed little girl what she enjoyed doing best, she responded without hesitation, “I like to do puzzles and I like to share.” Sharing her faith appears to be just the beginning for this tiny dancer and Extra Miler Nina Board.
Our next Extra Miler, Cassie Nale also has embraced her religion in a mature manner far beyond her years. Cassie is a 10- year-old who attends Christian Academy as a third-grader. Her mother, Debbie Nale-Wassom, noted how sensitive Cassie is to people who are sick or in pain.
“She has heart and passion for other people and she fully grasps the concept of prayer,” Debbie explained.
When Cassie was just 6, she began praying fervently for individuals who she had been told were ill. She prayed for her teacher and an aunt being treated for cancer, she prayed for a classmate who had a brain tumor and she prayed for a young man with brain cancer, Brandon Miller. Cassie then decided to literally run the extra mile and began distance racing to raise money for charitable causes.
Her first race was dedicated to Brandon Miller, who surprised Cassie by showing up at the race with a bouquet of flowers. It was the first time they met. Cassie is running today in a 3-mile race to raise money for a cure for breast cancer.
When asked why she feels so strong about praying and helping others, Cassie responded sincerely, “It is something God guides me to do ... and it just feels like the right thing to do.”
Both Extra Milers are beautiful, soft-spoken little girls with big hearts and a desire to help others through their faith. Never underestimate the power of goodness within our children.
Thank you, Nina and Cassie, for being our youngest Southern Indiana Extra Milers.
Kindness Tip of the Month
It is never too late to involve your child in volunteer or charitable activities. Listen to your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Ask them how they would like to help others — and make good use of their interest.
When my son, Jeff, was just 7-years-old, he talked about his concern for animals without good homes. The next day, we were headed to the Humane Association to ask how we could help.
Jeff began collecting cans in the neighborhood, recycling large bags of aluminum and donating the money to the Humane Association. Two years of recycling and a few hundred dollars demonstrated the power of one small child to help the animals he deeply loved.
The quickest way to change our world is to begin with our youngest citizens. Today and everyday, ensure your words and acts are what you wish to see reflected in their eyes.
Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE, Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, let her know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: The Extra Milers, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.
Extra Milers
Related Photos
Discussion
EXTRA MILER: Youth is served: Cassie Nale and Nina Board
- Extra Milers
-
-
EXTRA MILER: Someone who cares a lot
Waiting backstage to surprise our Extra Miler, John Templeton (Cat in the Hat) and Ellie Delap (Gertrude) were feeling a bit nostalgic. Both are seniors at Jeffersonville High School and this was to be their final high school performance. Standing just behind them, Donna VanHook, our Extra Miler, was doing what she has done best for at least 9 years. She is tugging on a costume and pinning it in just the right places so that it fits properly.
-
The Extra Milers: Teaching by example
-
EXTRA MILER: The courage to say yes
-
EXTRA MILER: Sisters of the Heart
Both girls have been involved in volunteer activities for several years. Amber serves on the student council of her school and has volunteered several times in soup kitchens. Sophia loves to dance and has entertained in nursing homes on several occasions.
-
EXTRA MILER: Overcoming fear by facing it head-on
As a young girl, I was reluctant to learn how to ride a bicycle. I was torn between wanting the wind in my hair as I hit the open road with friends and the fear of falling with a splat to the pavement. My father quickly tired of the excuses and one day sat me on the bicycle and pushed the bike forward. I fell hard and as my windblown vision seemed to be shattered, my father said, “Get right back up on that horse and ride again … it will be easier this time.” He was right.
-
EXTRA MILER: A call to duty
I was talking recently with Mark Eddy, executive director for Leadership Southern Indiana, when the conversation turned to this column. Mark said he knew of a church full of Extra Milers. The church is the Northside Church of Christ in Jeffersonville and specifically, he mentioned two individuals he felt met and exceeded the standards set for Extra Milers. He named Michael Kidwell and Gale Dunlap.
-
Harkins has touched thousands with her generosity, concern for others
I am blessed with many best friends who have influenced my life; however, there has been one person who has influenced me the most and is the inspiration behind this column. Everything I know about loving my neighbor, I learned from Barbara Long Harkins (Barbie) … and she continues to provide inspiration to all who know her.
-
EXTRA MILER: Coloring Our World
Creative people tend to bring full color to an otherwise monochrome world. Our July Extra Miler, George Ellis, turns life’s dull and numbing neutrals into vibrant and joyful colors.
-
EXTRA MILER: Bringing Respect into our Schools
An enforcement officer recently spoke with me after sitting through a workplace harassment workshop. He spoke of his part-time job duties as a security officer at a local middle school and expressed a great concern for children who do not seem to fit in with the majority students. The officer said, “Every day I see cruel and hateful harassment from many of the students and my job is to step in if they become violent.”
-
EXTRA MILER: Be part of Southern Indiana’s week of kindness
Julie Schwerer, executive director of the Bliss House in Jeffersonville, is a bundle of energy with a contagious spirit. She can speak at warp speed when truly excited and last week she may have broken through the sound barrier as she spoke of an anonymous donation to the Bliss House.
- More Extra Milers Headlines
-
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
