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Health & Fitness

Applause! Applause! Wiley students get "clapped out" for good deeds

A seven-year tradition at Wiley Elementary School continued last Wednesday as 117 students were feted by peers, parents and teachers in what is known as “clapping out.” 

Students observed following the Wiley Code of Honor by performing acts such as helping others, working hard, being respectful, taking responsibility or achieving their personal best are honored with a clap out through the hallways as throngs of applauding classmates and adults cheer them on.

Staff and parents can nominate students to be clapped out. “It’s another chance we have to recognize our students at Wiley. It’s fun and exciting. They really enjoy it.” explained Christopher Cassin, building principal. 

And it is quite an honor, judging from the happy faces of the honorees as they strode past the clapping hands. 

Waiting in the gym for her name to be announced and her clap out to begin, fourth grader Katie Sunday said she was nominated for helping her teacher. 

“We got picked because we are hard workers,” shared third grader Quinn Gilkinson, referring to himself and classmate Dominic Calandrino. 

Second grader Aryan Nandwana said he helped another student with math. His classmate Kristina Dushaj said she and Aryan are both “good helping hands.” Noted for her outstanding work habits and dedication was Shay Billberry, a fifth grader.

Jennifer Zbytowski, parent of three children at Wiley, was there to help clap out her second grader Kamryn.

“The expressions on their faces are priceless," she said. “Everyone is clapping for everyone. It’s their ‘walk of fame.’ For some kids, this may be their first time getting individual attention in public. I think it encourages all the kids to want to continue to do well.”

Clapping out ceremonies occur four times a year, usually timed for the day before a break, Cassin said. Students not clapped out this time will get more chances to earn the recognition later.

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