Whiz Kid: Brotherly Love

Kamran Hariri

School, grade and age:  Kamran is 11 years old and a fifth-grader at Canyon Vista Elementary School.

Accomplishments: Kamran ran for class president this year.  He lost but, then again, he won.  It was actually the closest presidential race in the history of Canyon Vista Elementary, with the winner edging out Kamran by one vote. Since the voting results were so close, Principal Don Mahoney decided that Kamran could not really lose.  So he created a special position for Kamran.  He is now director of community relations and is co-president, helping the other president, Jack Bentler. 

Kamran has a younger brother, Ryan, 9, with whom he is very close.  The two boys enjoy the typical brotherly companionship, including lots of fun and laughter. They enjoy playing tag together. Kamran often talks to his brother, but his brother is unable to respond with words. Instead he uses sign language, his main form of communication.  Ryan is autistic.  He is very special to Kamran.  

“Even though he cannot talk, he is great with sign language, and he is a good friend,” Kamran said. 

Kamran understands that not everyone understands what it means to be autistic.  So he decided to promote a special race for the students at his school.  He had two goals. One was to raise money for a nonprofit organization that helps autistic children.  The other was to raise awareness about autism and its effect on children.  Last March, nearly every student at Canyon Vista participated in a special Run for Ryan because of Kamran's organizational efforts. 

Prior to the race, Kamran spoke with the owner of Powell’s Candy Store to ask for help with the race.  Powell’s donated water bottles (one for each runner) and gift certificates for each student who participated in the race. 

Keys to Kamran’s Awesomeness: When asked, why he wanted to organize this activity for his brother, Kamran said, “I wanted recognition for my brother because I love him.”