Vladimir Romano, a Redding Elementary School fourth-grader, is included on Scholastic's list of "the most inspiring, courageous, and innovative kids featured in the magazines this year," according to a press release.
Vlad experienced a frightening ambulance ride when he developed a high fever at 2 years old and was given a teddy bear to help him calm down. Since the life-changing experience, Vlad has donated more than 400 teddy bears to local fire departments to hand out to kids facing scary situations.
"Year after year our editors capture the real-life stories of ordinary kids doing extraordinary things and present them through our classroom magazines knowing that the content resonates with young readers and helps teachers engage even the most reluctant readers," said Hugh Roome, executive vice president and president of consumer and professional publishing, in the press release.
"Teachers tell us that the added benefit is that these stories inspire students to pursue their own interests and act on the issues that matter most to them."
Scholastic News called Vlad "the healer."
"Now Vlad is dedicated to helping other kids in emergency situations; he buys teddy bears for local fire departments to give to the kids they help, using money from the lemonade and apple cider stands he sets up in his hometown," the release said. "Vlad has donated more than 400 teddy bears that will bring a smile to the face of a child in a stressful situation."
Vlad recently gave the Bridgeport Fire Department 25 bears, according to a report from the News Times.
"It makes me feel kind of good. I'm helping people," Vlad said in the News Times story.
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