Whiz Kids: Second- and Third-Graders, Arroyo Vista Elementary

Whiz Kids: Students in Kim Houldin’s class

School: Arroyo Vista Elementary School, 2nd and 3rd grade class

Whiz Kid Accomplishment: These students chose to spend their holiday class party helping military families in need.

Key to Awesomeness: Most school holiday parties include decorating cookies and playing silly games, but Kim Houldin’s second- and third-grade combo class decided to do things a bit differently this year. In lieu of the typical party, they chose to make Caring Boxes for children whose parents serve in the military at Camp Pendleton. These families, like many others suffering during this rocky economy, include children whose Christmas wish lists might otherwise not be filled.

On Dec. 12, students in Houldin’s class spent the morning working on their boxes. They first decorated them, then filled them with a variety of goodies parents donated. These items included candy, gum, pencils, books, restaurant gift certificates, stuffed animals, toys, handmade wood ornaments and fleece scarves. The children took pride in neatly packing their boxes with their specially selected treats. They also made cards for their recipients. The boxes will be delivered later this week.

When asked what her favorite part of the project was, student Brianna Alba said, “I liked looking at all the different scarves.” These scarves, made by the students and their parents, boasted fun prints like camouflage and polka dots.

Bella Ransil’s favorite part of the project was “doing stuff to give.” And Evan Vanderlaan enjoyed "picking out a stuffed animal."

Students at Arroyo Vista are no stranger to giving. For the past 17 years, the school has kept up its Care and Share Tuesdays once a month. Through this program, Arroyo Vista was able to donate 3,700 pounds of food to families in need last year.

For their generous, giving spirit, Kim Houldin’s students are all recognized as this week’s outstanding Whiz Kids.