When assistant principal saw student with special needs lying on concrete, he did the unimaginable to comfort the kid
Being in a position of authority is an opportunity — not to impose power on others but to connect and build. Steph Compton, the mom of student LJ, shared a heartwarming post about how an assistant principal, Mr Smith, comforted her son when he was having a tough time. The student of Garfield Elementary School didn’t say anything to express that he wasn’t feeling all that great but the man understood and reached out, per NBC affiliate WCHM.
LJ has Down syndrome and autism and wasn’t having the best day. The picture in the post captured the boy lying on the ground as he was reportedly waiting for his bus. Compton said in an interview, “He's a very happy kid. If he's not smiling or laughing, which is most of the time, then there's something really wrong.” The 8-year-old was done with school and was not feeling all that great. His bus was delayed and to save the energy he had in him, he presumably thought it best to lay down on the concrete ground. However, while the boy was trying to figure out what he was feeling, his assistant principal arrived at the scene. He spotted the little boy and knew he wasn't feeling well.
Most authoritative figures or any other principal would have asked the boy to get off the ground. However, Smith let him have his moment while being there for him. The man lay beside LJ and kept him company until the bus arrived. Ms Amber McKinnis, who worked at the school, spotted the endearing moment and captured it to share with the mom. “I had to take the picture. It was the most amazing thing I’ve seen! Our hearts melted and LJ enjoyed it,” she mentioned. The picture captures Smith trying to have a conversation with LJ while the duo lay casually on the ground, without a care in the world.
Compton was grateful for the man’s gesture and for looking after her son in the best way possible. She noted that they live across town and still picked Garfield Elementary due to the love and care the staff offered. “It’s really awesome to know from a parent’s standpoint, that there are people that care that much about your child. To get down on the ground and lay on the ground with them to make sure that they’re alright,” the mom remarked. Several parents praised Smith for his thoughtfulness and for handling the situation in the most adorable way possible.
Duane Osborn said, “That's awesome, we need more people like him.” Gina Uzzardo added, “What an awesome assistant principal!” David Marshall mentioned, “He seems to be a great principal who cares about the kids!” Brittany Vojtush noted, “Such a genuine soul!” Several ex-students also noted how Smith, as a teacher, touched their hearts. Katherine Sisson wrote, “Mr Smith was a good teacher, you could talk to him about anything.” Shylah Tennar added, “Mr.Smith was the best teacher! So glad he carries that with him as a principal!! Such a great guy!”