As part of our school-based Hidden Heroes Project, Paul Grey's Grade 5 students at Coal Tyee Elementary School recently became Secret Hidden Heroes both at home and at school.

Without telling their parents, siblings, other teachers or students, they thought of small things they could do for others without being asked, did them and then observed the affects their actions had on themselves and those they helped.

Here are some of the responses from parents:

"Brycen quietly made a big impact at home. He emptied the garbage daily, and took the cans to the roadside before we even realized. He made his bed, lit the woodstove everyday and made sure the wheelbarrow was full of wood. Brycen even made everyone's bed one morning. All of this was done very quietly. He showed an excellent attitude, one of serving others without looking for a reward. We are grateful parents!"

"What did you do with our child? What a nice change. We saw the entire living area cleaned, the leaves raked, and a garage that got emptied, all with rare enthusiasm. We saw all this done with pride on Jarrit's part."

"Kyle has been very helpful at home-unloading the dishwasher, walking the dog, vacuuming my bedroom. He is cooperative with his friends and shows compassion when playing."

"Joshua had so much energy this past week. He has made things easier at home, by helping Giovanna with homework and Natalia with diapers. His room has been tidy all week. I love it!"

It's no surprise that parents liked what their children were doing at home but what did the students learn from their actions?

As part of her conclusion Jamie wrote, "Making a difference in the home or classroom is not that hard. Whether it is cleaning your room, taking care of a family pet or doing classroom jobs, it is bound to put a smile on someone's face. It is a nice thing to do and it will make you and whoever you're helping feel good."

Kassy's conclusion was simple and powerful, "I think smiling can bring people to want to talk to you and play with you."

The project had a strong personal impact on Christine who wrote, "My heart is growing every day."

Courtney noticed, "When I make a difference I feel happy and proud. At home I have not been making a big difference but maybe a little one. It is not a bad thing if you make a small difference because they turn into big differences and you make people feel good."

Hailey's observations included the following: "Literally saying hi or talking to someone could make their day, so try it…"

This is the second year in a row that Mr. Grey's class has done the Secret Hidden Hero Project and he says it was even more successful this year. In fact he told me he found its affects rubbing off on him too.

This year as well as making a difference in the families and in the school, Mr. Grey's students are collecting school supplies to send to Gotshombo Elementary School in Zimbabwe.

They also hope to raise enough money to buy a cell phone for the school. Currently the school has no means of communication with the outside world.

Should they be successful with their fundraising - They've already got $100 - they hope to gather Coal Tyee students around a speaker phone and then talk to the Gotshombo Head Master as he stands before all of his students to tell them he is talking to the students who bought the phone for them.

I don't know about you but that thought sends shivers up and down my spine.

Today's kids aren't all that bad are they?