Picking a favorite teacher is not easy. Just ask James Bellesis. “I have always tried to decide that,” the George Grant Mason Fifth Grader says. “It’s impossible! I’ve liked every teacher that I have had here.”
When it comes to best friends, his answer is similar, “I have a bunch of friends, so I don’t really know,” he explains.
How about his favorite memory from his time at GGM? “That’s hard because I have a lot of them,” he says.
James isn’t looking to be ambiguous. His answers are representative of who he is as a person. James doesn’t want to exclude anyone.
“James is one of the most humble, thoughtful, considerate ten-year-olds you will ever meet,” according to Michelle Valastro. “He is down to earth, and doesn't even realize what a good kid he is. “James is very conscientious, he always puts other people first.”
As a leader of the GGM Social Emotional Learning team, Valastro recognizes these qualities make James a great role model for his peers. “He will see something going on with someone that isn’t right and will call it out right away. If someone is mistreated, he is not afraid to stand up for what is right, but he does so in a way that is healthy and positive.”
James’ caring nature has left a lasting impression throughout the halls of GGM. Mariah Klimowich, who teaches Elementary STEM, cites an interaction with James as one of her favorite memories from her career. “When James was in second grade he wrote a letter about me to the Photo News for Teacher Appreciation Week. I still have it,” she says.
Valastro says James has an inherent way about him that is good. “Who he is innately, naturally, not who he has been taught to be, is someone who you want to be around.” Everyone should be lucky enough to have a James.”
In that case, fortune is in the Tuxedo school community’s favor.