Superior academic work has earned two Chicago Heights elementary school students new bicycles from an unusual source — a fellow youngster.
Melanie Horta and Alejandro Wade, both third-graders at Serena Hills Elementary School, accepted their new rides as well as congratulations from Isaiah Zartuche in separate ceremonies Wednesday in the school gym.
Zartuche, 9, who purchased the bikes with money earned from mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other jobs, said he started giving away bicycles in 2015 to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I want kids to learn character and be motivated,” he said. “There are great rewards when you do your best.”
Serena Hills Principal Shari Demitrowicz said Zartuche’s effort has helped encourage students at the K-5 school to be good role models and get good grades. Serena Hills is part of Flossmoor Elementary School District 161.
Speaking during an afternoon assembly, Isaiah demonstrated a poise that belied his years as he stressed the importance of good listening skills — “Listen to your teacher” — and reminded the other youngsters there may be more than one solution to a problem or puzzle.
“Think of a banana. Which side do you open it at?” he asked. “There is no right way to open a banana. The top, the bottom, the middle. I open it from the middle. Use your imagination. Be creative; don’t doubt your own way.”
Isaiah completed the short, polished speech, congratulated Alejandro and posed for photos. It’s all part of the day for Isaiah, who later said he wants to be president when he grows up.
Isaiah is the son of long-time Chicago Heights residents John and Laura Zartuche. John Zartuche is a traveling minister who has served on the city’s zoning board and Laura is a full-time mother who home schools Isaiah, his two sisters and his brother.
Laura Zartuche said she and her husband have taught Isaiah “to give because you reap as you sow.”
The lesson, it appears, has sunk in, and as a result, two good students in Chicago Heights now have new bicycles.
Dennis Sullivan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
