Hickory Creek students support their classmate

Students and staff at Hickory Creek Middle School continue to support their friend and classmate, seventh grader Cole Cunningham.  Last year Cole was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he recently underwent a stem cell transplant.  Throughout his hospital stays and treatment, he has remained positive and an enthusiastic friend. 

When the students and staff heard that Cole was being released from the hospital after the procedure, secret plans began in earnest to surprise him as he drove past the school on his way home.  Over 800 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students and the school staff lined both sides of the street near the school.  Armed with streamers and signs, they shouted their support to Cole as he and his family drove by.

In their ongoing concern for Cole, the students are truly living the six pillars of the District 157-C Character Counts character education program.  The pillars include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  Hickory Creek Principal, Dr. Kevin Suchinski stated, ”Cole’s homecoming event highlighted the student body’s unbelievable character to support a student in need. We cannot begin to thank the Cunningham Family for allowing the HCMS student body and staff to be part of this event. Cole’s phenomenal courage underscores why he is our HERO.”

Cole’s mom, Melissa Cunningham, said that her family is very grateful for the school’s efforts and she feels that they not only benefit Cole but also the students themselves.  She stated, “These kids are learning life lessons.  They may not know it but they are. They are learning about empathy, having a positive attitude, supporting others, looking past a disease and seeing a person, etc. There are numerous ways that these kids can be seen as role models now or in the future because of these experiences.”  

Over the past year, Hickory Creek students have supported Cole with numerous cards and videos, including a video featuring the students singing a version of the Chicago Bears fight song with Cole’s name inserted.  They also raised $5,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois to send Cole and his family on a future vacation.  The Hickory Creek students and staff are committed to being there for Cole as he makes his journey back to full health.