Joey Cutolo
Age: 6
School: Addison Mizner Elementary in Boca Raton
Grade: First
Hometown: Boca Raton
Pillar: Caring
When Joey reached into a classroom treasure box to pull out an item, he didn’t choose for himself. Instead, he selected something to make his mom feel better — a package of tissues.
It’s just one of many examples of caring shown by the first-grader at school and at home. Doing good deeds is important, he says.
“It makes me happy,” Joey says.
Courtney Mitchell, first-grade teacher: Joey used his classroom dollars to buy a fancy pack of tissues from the treasure box for his mother when she was sick. He wanted to cheer her up.
He is way above average when it comes to compassion and caring. Every day when he leaves at dismissal, he tells me to have a great day. If I don’t hear him, he comes back in and tells me again. He always says goodbye with a smile and a wave. He tells me to have a good lunch when I drop him off at the cafeteria.
He is kind to everyone, always. His peers and teachers adore him. He is quiet and sweet. He works well with any group and follows directions. He helps others without being asked. He lets others go first. He is amazing.
Joseph Cutolo and Monica Emery, parents: The pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship — what may seem labored and difficult for many people seems to be second nature for Joey.
Joey is so honest, he offered to cut a bit of his dark hair and give it to my aging father so that he “could look young again.”
He is very respectful; every time he politely and appropriately interrupts conversations with a gentle “excuse me,” wanting to interject his opinions or ideas into the topic of discussion.
Joey is responsible. While helping prepare a meal for the family, he says, “That’s going to be my job from now on,” as he eagerly and meticulously places a napkin on each plate.
Joey shows fairness when interacting with his younger brother, Patrick. Joey always checks to be sure that Patrick has an action figure when they both pretend to be superheroes. He has a knack for sharing and trading objects to keep Patrick engaged and entertained.
Caring for all those around him is also a given for little Joey. He is kind and compassionate. His teacher states that he is a “helper” at school.
In addition, Joey demonstrates an ability to be a good citizen by obeying laws and rules in and out of the school environment. He always wears a helmet while riding his bicycle. He is neighborly and helps pull weeds and picks up the yard to be sure that the street looks its best. He will even bring in the trash cans for others if they were left out by mistake. He has no difficulty cooperating and getting along with others.
It is not surprising that Joey performs these deeds on a regular basis. He is rewarded for his behavior with love and compassion from others at home, school and within the neighborhood. He is a wonderful role model.
Joey Cutolo: I want to be friends with everyone. I am motivated because it makes me happy. When I demonstrate outstanding character, they always say thank you, so I know they like it when I help them.
— Beth Feinstein-Bartl
