Wear the Cape is proud to introduce its first Cape Kid of 2019! Michael Mancino is an everyday hero in the 6thgrade at Warren Middle School in Warren, New Jersey. He is a valued member of the Watchung Hills Pop Warner football team, Warren youth travel basketball team, and the town’s winter and spring lacrosse teams.
Both on and off the field and court, Michael can be found helping others. This ongoing mission, along with his generous heart and determination to stand up for what is right, shows that Michael is committed to being BETTER THAN THAT™ – better than doing the wrong thing, even though it’s often the easier choice!
After a friend stood up for Michael when he was being teased in elementary school, he made the commitment to he himself be an Upstander – someone who sticks up for others when they are being bullied or mistreated. Michael realized at that moment that it only takes ONE person to make a difference. He shared, “The teasing made me feel anxious and belittled. However, when someone stood up for me, it made me feel valued. I wanted to be the person to do this for someone else…to make others feel worthwhile and befriended, like I did that day.”
In an effort to spread kindness throughout his former elementary school, Michael proposed starting a Kidkind Clubto his teacher and principal, before he graduated. The school officials were so impressed with the plan he presented that they put it on the agenda to seek implementation in 2019. He is aiming to bring a Kidkind Club to his middle school this spring, as well.
Michael also spreads kindness by giving his time. He has volunteered at Wear the Cape’s annual holiday fundraiser in December for the past four years. This summer, he joined The Lunchbox Movement to bring lunch to underprivileged children at Jerry Walker’s summer camp in Jersey City. During National Volunteer Month, in April, he provided support for The Bounce Factory of Warren’s Gentle Bounce Session, where he assisted children with special needs. Presently, he helps coach first and second graders in basketball!
Michael lives by a special mantra instilled by his father: “Good character and not reputation is what I value.”
Below are simple ways Michael suggests you can spread kindness every day:
- Stand up for others. When you see someone not treating another person the way you would want to be treated, say something! It takes courage, but the more you do this, the easier it becomes.
- Compliment others. A kind word can turn someone’s bad day into a happy one. Be the hero who saves someone from the doldrums, just by saying something nice!
- Be a good friend: A good friend is consistent, trustworthy and kind. Be that to others, and you’re more likely to build meaningful, lasting friendships.
- Be kind to yourself: Being kind to yourself puts you in a state of mind that helps you be kind to others. Love yourself for who you are. Do your best. Forgive yourself. Take care of your own needs. When you’re happy within, you can spread that sunshine.
Would you like to promote kindness in your school by starting a Kidkind Club? We’ve made it super simple for you to do. Access our “KIDKIND CLUB PROPOSAL TEMPLATE” by clicking here.