Today I want to write about four Randerson Ridge Grade 7 students who have nominated their parents as Neighbourhood Heroes. I'll also write about another two who nominated their pets. We have something to learn from all six of these nominations.

These students have proved once again that it is not the one in a million heroes, the famous ones that make the biggest difference in most of our lives; it's the millions of Neighbourhood Heroes, people we see regularly (and sometimes our pets) who are our true heroes.

Bria Sharkey wrote, "Neighbourhood Heroes are confident, positive, courageous, and brave. That's why I want to nominate my parents, Lyle and Corrine Sharkey."

Bria went on to say that her parents are truly selfless, consistent, persistent, and non-judgemental. Occasionally, she added, they may slip on the non-judgemental part, but 99.9% of the time they don't.

"If I had different parents, she concluded, "I would be a totally different person than I am today."

Kaylin Godin sees her mom, Delores, as "the most amazing person I have ever met" because no matter how many "ordeals" she has had to face, "she still manages to keep everything together."

Kaylin concluded, "She is both inspiring and encouraging and that is why she is far more than just a mom, she is my hero."

Jason Normand sees both of his parents as heroes. His dad gets up early to take him to hockey and always tries to compliment him. His mom is also committed to his sports and music. She also makes his lunch every day and helps with his chores.

Taylor Stiller nominated her mom, Kelli, as a Neighbourhood Hero because she understands what it's like to be a kid in school.

Taylor tells us that her mom is never down even though she has gone back to school, and she is very busy with bookkeeping, schoolwork, housekeeping, cooking, and volunteering in the community.

In summary he says, "Mom is hardworking, positive, helpful, caring, and very special. I'm lucky she's my mom."

Now let's move on to pets as Neighbourhood Heroes.

I recently received an email from a friend entitled, "If Dogs Were Our Teachers, We Would Learn the Following Lessons." Some of the "lessons" included: Even if you are mad at someone, never pass up the opportunity to have fun. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory but avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

There were other lessons we could learn from our pets as well. Some of these lessons you will hear from Carlee Meldrum and Paige Lagasse.

Carlee says her dog, Tory, is one of her best friends.

"Whenever I have a bad day, Tory comes up to me wagging her tail and she cheers me up. I know that I can trust her and she never gets mad at me.

"Every morning, to make sure I'm not late for school, she jumps up on my bed and starts licking my face. Luckily, she only does this on weekdays. That's how she shows responsibility ... Although she is a dog, she is my role model."

Paige nominated her pet turtle, Swirls, as a Neighbourhood Hero.

"He's always happy and doesn't have a worry in the world," she wrote. "In that way he's my role model because I always worry too much."

Paige continued, "He never stops trying at anything he does. He's energetic and always in a mood to play ... He's definitely not aware of what he does for me, and I wish I could tell him.

"Swirls might not make a big difference in the world but he makes a HUGE difference in my life."

Is there someone in your life, other than your pet turtle, that has made a big difference for you? Have you told them? Why don’t you do it today?