STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — At P.S. 23, The Richmondtown School, extraordinary acts of kindness and leadership can come from even the youngest members of the school community.
In the spring of 2024, third-graders Alexandria Khan and Hana Ezziddin set up a bracelet stand in their neighborhood, inspired by a family member who had done something similar.
Over the course of 9 to 10 months, the two girls raised approximately $185. Rather than spending the money on themselves, Alexandria and Hana had a much bigger purpose in mind.
During the 2024 winter break, the two friends made the selfless decision to donate their hard-earned proceeds to help Zhenxuan Li, a second-grade student at P.S. 23 who was recently diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
“Ally and I wanted to donate the money, but we weren’t sure who to give it to at first,” said Hana. “When we heard about Zhenxuan, we decided to help him and his family pay for the medicine he needs to recover from cancer. It really bothered me that a second grader has cancer. It made me feel great to help another student in our school. I really hope the money helps him feel better.”
Understanding the challenges faced by Zhenxuan’s family, Alexandria and Hana joined forces with the PTA and the school community to raise additional funds for his much-needed medical treatment, even writing a heartfelt letter to the school, asking for support.
“It’s been a dream of mine to donate and help people less fortunate,” said Alexandria. “Initially, I thought we would donate to a shelter or something like that. Then, we heard about Zhenxuan and decided it would be best to help one of our own. That’s why we wrote the letter to our Principal and Assistant Principal asking for their help.”
Members of the school community were moved by Alexandria and Hana’s kindness, as their actions exemplify the values taught at P.S. 23.
“As a principal, you are constantly looking for evidence that what you are teaching is making a difference,” said Principal Paul Proscia. “Seeing children as young as 8 or 9 deciding to help another student is the best evidence of this. It shows that when there is darkness, there are opportunities to shine a light to help others. That is what Alexandria and Hana have done. I am beyond proud of them, and the world will be blessed because of their presence in it.”
Ways to show your support
Individuals can show support to Zhenxuan and his family by donating to their GoFundMe campaigns.
P.S. 23 students Alexandria Khan and Hana Ezziddin donate bracelet stand proceeds to help second-grader Zhenxuan Li battle osteosarcoma. (Photo Courtesy of P.S. 23 The Richmondtown School)Public School 23 The Richmondtown School
