This story originally appeared in the fall 2013 Harker Quarterly.

Over the summer Nilisha Baid, grade 5, got an award from the Kohl’s Cares program for her exceptional community service work.

Over much of the previous school year, Baid worked with a refugee family from Congo. Along with her Girl Scouts troop, Baid tutored and mentored the family, who had eight children. Many of the kids had little experience with school or even sitting still for a few minutes.

Yet, although they knew little English or math and were unfamiliar with the culture here, Baid was able to create suitable games and activities to teach through play. Baid and her troop helped the children with their homework and also took them out for educational trips, putting smiles on their faces and giving Baid a deep sense of accomplishment!