Today, you typically hear about bullying or violence in schools around the nation. But in Boerne ISD we have leadership that starts encouraging positive behaviors in our youth at an early age.
 Fourteen years ago BISD and the Rotary Club of Boerne established a program created by Randall Parr when he retired from the Navy Chaplaincy. This, the Early Act First Knight Program, encourages and rewards children in Kendall Elementary who display positive character. Eventually this program spread to other Rotary Clubs and schools in Texas.
What started here in Boerne can now be found in five states. Teachers observe students displaying behaviors such as: helping others, being polite, showing kindness, persevering in difficulties, setting a good example, eagerness to learn more, etc. Then, once a year the school holds an assembly to recognize these students who consistently display these characteristics.

The Rotary Club sponsors this program in the school and provided the annual “Knighting Ceremony”.  A knight dressed in full armor, Lady Amber, led the recognition ceremony. Interim Principal Tommy Hungate read aloud each description of awardee behaviors that had been submitted by their teacher. Each student walked up to the stage amidst much applause. Then Lady Amber bestowed a medal around the younger student’s neck. The upper grade students would kneel while Lady Amber “knighted” them with a sword to each shoulder.

As Interim Principal Hungate said, “I wish you could see each child’s face as they walk up to the stage.”  One mother said, “My older child has never forgotten his time of being knighted.”  Rotarian John Peterson has spearheaded this program for many years. As a retired Naval Commander he recognizes the importance of instilling these virtues in our future leaders and building a community that values these positive personal characteristics.

Many thanks go to the Rotary Club of Boerne, the BISD leadership, the Kendall Elementary School teachers, and the parents who encourage our children to make good choices every day.