March's Incredible Kid

March's Incredible Kid is: Jack Erickson a 6 year old 1st grader at Cole Valley Christian Elementary.

A fellow student, Paige Bongiorno, sent us this when she nominated him:

Jack is wonderful! I have only met him a few times, but he lights up a room! His dad passed away a year ago and it has been tough for his family, but Jack has been stronger than ever. He always has a smile on his face and he carries on the sense of humor and personality of his father. He loves to have fun! He makes the world a better place where ever he goes. He deserves to win this recognition for what a wonderful kid he is. He has been the bravest young man I have ever met through such a hard time. He is always willing to lend a helping hand when it is needed.

As March's Incredible Kid, Jack will be receiving:

Classroom pizza party from Papa John's

Family night at Wahooz Family Fun Zone

4 autographed books from the Richard Paul Evans "Michael Vey" series

Follow this link if you have an Incredible Kid you'd like to nominate. Each nominated kid will get a certificate mailed to them for a dozen free Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

After we contacted Jack to let him know that he was March's Incredible Kid we received this from his mother:

Kevin and Brenda,

Thank you (and Paige Bongiorno) so much for the honor bestowed on my 6-year old (soon to be 7) son Jack! I've attached his school picture from this year (1st grade at Cole Valley Christian).

Jack is all boy - full of energy and always has rips in his jeans, but he will stop in his tracks if he thinks someone needs a hug or an encouraging word. His world was rocked a year ago, when his daddy (Brandon) suddenly passed away from medical complications following surgery resulting from a work-related injury. Jack's strong faith in God and his amazing spirit have carried us all through. He takes care of his mama, holding doors open for me, Valentine's dates, and even asking me how I'm doing if he thinks I might be sad.

His dad's fellow-firefighters, our best friends, Brandon's brother, and our son-in-law, have really stepped up as men in Jack's life. Jack participates in Montana Junior Rodeo in the summer, soccer in the spring, football in the fall, video games, and he's learning how to ski and hunt. I am so grateful for their influence.

On the one-year anniversary of his dad's death, I took Jack to see the stone bench we had set. Jack brought some flowers, and asked if he could eat the candy someone had left for his dad earlier. :) I asked Jack if he wanted me to leave him alone so he could say something to his dad. Jack looked at me like I'd lost my mind, "Mom, he's not here! He's in heaven!" That's right buddy.

Jack will love sharing the pizza party with his friends at Cole Valley. Thank you again for recognizing what a special little man he is!

Bonni Erickson

aka Jack's mom