“There are many persons ready to do what is right because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the make the first move – and he, in turn, waits for you.” – Marian Anderson (1897–1993), African-American contralto.
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Get out the tissues, this story is going to make you cry. It will go far to restore your faith in our future leaders, while reminding you that cruelty is often reserved exclusively for the most vulnerable. This is one of those stories when the good people win and all you can think is, ‘I hope my child would do the right thing.’
The story begins with Chy Johnson, a 16 year-old, who has a genetic birth defect. She has been mainstreamed into the public school system, most likely as part of a special education program, but even as a sophomore, she has trouble assimilating since she works only at a third-grade level.
At Queen Creek High School in Queen Creek, Arizona, Chy endured mean girls (and boys) ridiculing her, even going so far as throwing trash at her when she passed. Her mother would comfort her through the nightly tears, but she was unable to stop the harassment. The teachers did little to affect change. She finally reached out on Facebook to senior Carson Jones in order to find out the bullies’ names. Carson had worked with Chy at the Special Olympics and he was also the quarterback of the undefeated football team. He did something that most young teen boys would probably never has even entertained – he reached out to Chy during lunch and asked the ostracized girl to join him.
According to ESPN, “I just thought that if they saw her with us every day, maybe they’d start treating her better. Telling on kids would’ve just caused more problems.”
Carson set an example that his team followed. Star running back, Tucker Workman, ensured Chy was escorted by a teammate to every class, others provided protection during classes by sitting nearby.
The best part about this story is that it was a random act of kindness, by so many. In fact, no one even seemed to understand what they were doing because, until recently, Carson, Tucker and the team told no one. Jones’ mother, Rondalee, raises Carson and his three bothers and one sister by herself. She knew nothing about his friendship with Chy until a local paper wrote about it and Carson provided the clipping to her. I can’t imagine the respect she felt for her young boy at that moment.
If it is true, that ‘the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world,’ I think we’re going to be fine.
Enjoy the video below from News Channel 3 in Phoenix:
