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Kids can make a difference, as five students at Warsaw's Washington Elementary School recently found out.
Because of four of those students, the fifth, DeAndria Drudge, a multi-handicapped fourth-grade student, will be able to enjoy the school's playground just like other students.
Four of her friends at Washington - Kaci Smith, Allison Reichard, Chayla Bassford and Ariel Howard - recently donated a $500 grant they received as a Heart of Gold award to Washington's PTO to buy handicapped equipment for the school's playground.
Drudge has difficulties with tasks that many take for granted. She cannot speak as children her age do. "DeA," as her friends call her, is learning to read and do other tasks at a slower rate than other children her own age.
But Drudge spends a great deal of time in a regular classroom that has proven to be beneficial for her as she has developed a unique friendship with the four girls.
"In first grade, she came into our class and started working with us. She's been in our class ever since," said Smith.
Reichard said, "We just eat lunch with her and play recess with her."
"We go into the class and work with her," said Smith, "trying to get her to say more words. Writing her name and our names. Helping her draw, color in the lines."
Bassford added, "We play in the sandbox with her. She likes to slide."
"DeA always likes the sandbox," said Reichard.
"We have a lot of fun," said Smith.
Reichard, Bassford, Smith and Howard have developed a close friendship with Drudge. When the girls got together Tuesday for an interview for this story, they were more interested in talking to Drudge and playing with her than in being interviewed. They sang Drudge's favorite song, "Take A Bite of Music," to her. Drudge gave them a big smile and waved her fingers as if conducting a choir.
It was only the second time since school let out for the summer they got to visit with Drudge.
The girls have noticed positive changes in Drudge since the first grade.
"She's talking more," said Smith.
Bassford said, "She's understanding us more."
DeA's mother, Barb Drudge, said DeA has matured more vocally. The girls have helped bring more out in her.
"She seems to be communicating more. She's more outgoing. These girls make her very happy," said Barb.
It is because of the girls' unique relationship with Drudge that former Washington Elementary Principal Tom Eichenburg nominated them for a Heart of Gold award. The awards are given annually by the Kosciusko County Foundation to county residents who go above and beyond the call of duty.
"Mr. Eichenburg just pointed out how the girls went beyond the expectations and formed a close relationship (with DeAndria)," said Kosciusko County Foundation Executive Director Suzanne M. Light.
The girls received plaques and a check for $500 to be given to a nonprofit organization of their choice. They chose the school's PTO so they could get the playground equipment.
New Washington Elementary principal Tom Ray said the letter from the Kosciusko County Foundation was the first letter he opened as principal. It made a huge first impression on him, he said. The girls' caring and dedication toward Drudge said a lot about them, their parents and the community he just moved into, he said.
"It says a lot about the parents, how important it is for us to be role models because children are so impressionable," Ray said. He said it also shows the importance of good character and morals.
Ray said the playground equipment has arrived and is waiting to be installed.
