Por JC Montenegro, PhD

(Bellflower, California) – In a remarkable display of leadership, initiative, and love for sports, fifth graders Chief and Aiden greatly impacted their after-school program, proving that even young students can drive positive change when they set their minds to it.

The Spark: A Desire for More Sports

Chief and Aiden are two energetic fifth graders who have been part of the We Care after-school program for years. While they enjoyed the various activities available, both boys felt something was missing — more sports! They noticed that the program had a strong focus on crafts, homework help, and social activities, but the time dedicated to physical sports and games was limited.

With a passion for staying active and believing that more sports could make the after-school experience even better, Chief and Aiden decided to speak up. They approached the program leaders, JC Montenegro and Isa Dela Vega, with a simple but impactful request: “Can we have more sports activities?”

The Challenge

JC and Isa were impressed by Chief and Aiden’s initiative. Instead of simply adding more sports to the schedule, they decided to present the boys with a challenge. The two fifth graders were tasked with creating their own enrichment activity focused on sports. The catch? They would have to plan and direct the entire event for a group of 100 kids without the help of any tutors or adult supervisors.

This challenge was no small feat. Organizing and managing a large group of kids — many of whom were younger and full of energy — required not only a well-thought-out plan but also strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Chief and Aiden eagerly accepted the challenge, ready to prove themselves.

The Plan

Chief and Aiden got straight to work. They decided on a multi-sport event that would allow the kids to rotate through different activities, keeping everyone engaged and active. They chose a combination of soccer, relay races, and more — these crowd-pleasing games that catered to different interests and abilities.

They also planned for any potential challenges, such as disputes during games or kids needing a break. The boys practiced how they would handle these situations calmly and fairly. 

Game Day: Chief and Aiden in Action 

The day finally arrived. Chief and Aiden gathered the 100 kids and started. The energy was electric, so they had a little trouble getting everyone’s attention, but the young leaders changed their approach and quickly captured everyone’s attention. 

Throughout the event, Chief and Aiden showcased exceptional leadership. They gave clear instructions, mediated disagreements, and encouraged everyone to participate. It was clear they had put a lot of thought into making the activities enjoyable for all age groups. 

A Resounding Success 

The overwhelming response was that they loved having a chance to play sports and appreciated the way Chief and Aiden made the games fun and inclusive. 

JC and Isa were equally impressed. Not only had Chief and Aiden successfully organized and managed a large group of kids without any adult intervention, but they had also created an environment where everyone felt included and had a great time. 

The Impact: Paving the Way for More Sports 

The success of Chief and Aiden’s sports day didn’t go unnoticed. Their effort inspired the We Care program to incorporate more regular sports activities into the schedule. The two fifth graders became role models for their peers, demonstrating that with creativity, leadership, and a willingness to take on challenges, even young students can make a big difference. 

Chief and Aiden’s initiative has left a lasting impact on the We Care program, showing that student-led activities can be just as effective — and sometimes even more exciting — than those planned by adults. Their journey from wanting more sports to becoming the directors of their own event is a testament to their drive and determination. 

The We Care community is already looking forward to what these young leaders will come up with next! 

Chief and Aiden, we salute you for your incredible effort, teamwork, and the sports spirit you brought to the program. Your leadership has set a new standard and has made the after-school experience even better for everyone involved!