This month we are honored to feature Brielle Ricciardi as our Cape Kid for her incredible and selfless work with her school’s Storied Lives Program.

Brielle, a Mendham High School Senior, joined her school’s Storied Lives program last May, which partnered a high school student with a Senior at an assisted living home in Morristown. Brielle knew immediately that she wanted to be part of this special program, stating, “I had a feeling that I had to do this. “ She is so glad she did!

Brielle met with Mr. Halkes four times throughout the summer.  Her visits, which lasted between an hour and an hour and a half, were ones that she thoroughly enjoyed. Brielle was excited for her visits because she knew she would learn something from him, specifically, what she said is her biggest lesson learned from him, “Do something every day that makes you happy.”

Brielle has taken Mr. Halkes advice, but has added a twist.  She now looks to also make others happy, whether it be with her charitable work, school, with her family or friends.

Brielle aspires to be a role model to others.  She is now an advocate for seniors, asking all to, “not overlook the elderly.” She is part of Wear the Cape’s Junior Board, is featured in Wear the Cape’s video portion of our Hero Assemblies, and recently volunteered as a Cape Kid for kidkind Foundation’s annual holiday fundraiser.

Brielle plans to keep in touch with Mr. Halkes, a former educator, who states that his students were his children.  In the years to come, she plans to “spend my life living-“ another lesson from her forever friend, Mr. Halkes.