Kindergarten Boy With Down Syndrome Appointed Classroom Greeter, Spreads Warmth Among Classmates With His Hugs

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A kindergarten kid in Birchwood, Wisconsin, is winning hearts all over the country with his kind actions.

Colin Baker is a 5-year-old student at a small school in Birchwood and he was recently made the “classroom greeter.”

Despite the fact that he has Down Syndrome, he doesn’t let it come in the way of his responsibilities

Sara Waldron, business and information technology teacher for the Birchwood School District, said that many families in that area are facing economic hardship, even poverty and that many of these kids need some kindness and encouragement to shown to them and young Colin is certainly happy to provide that.

Nicole Schlapper a kindergarten teacher at Colin’s school said that students take turns greeting at the door. “The children absolutely love this job and show great excitement when their turn comes up,” Schlapper said.

When the students arrive in the classroom, some of them shake hands with the classroom greeter, while others bump fists. But recently when it was Colin’s turn to greet, most of his 15 fellow kindergarteners opted to give him a big hug.

One of the videos of him greeting fellow students has been posted to social media where it has become a big hit.

“I think most of the kids choose to hug just because Colin is such a good hugger,” Colin’s mother Chrisstie Baker said. “He puts his heart into every one. I’m very proud of him.”

Waldon added, “As a school, we worry about funding, but what we lack in resources, we make up in love and compassion,” Waldon said. “With so many tragedies in our neighboring communities in the last month, it is so amazing to receive such positive feedback from so many people all over the world.”

Colin’s mom expressed optimism that the now-viral video will help inspire folks everywhere.

She says, “I hope that adults can learn from him and his friends that it’s OK to get out of their comfort zone and make someone else’s day. And to put our all into even the smallest things, like a hug,” Baker said.

Schlapper hopes this particular example of kindness and inclusiveness “will stay with them as they grow up together throughout their years, in school and into adulthood.”