South Side High School recognized nearly three dozen students for their character and everyday acts of kindness at its annual “Breakfast of Champions,” highlighting those often considered the school’s “unsung heroes.”
During the March 26 ceremony, the school community gathered not to celebrate the loudest achievements, but to honor the steady, everyday actions that too often go unnoticed. In a warm and reflective setting, nearly three dozen students were recognized as the school’s “unsung heroes.”
“We have about 35 kids that we’re recognizing, and we’re so proud of them for doing such great work here at our school,” said South Side High School Principal Patrick Walsh.
Nominated by faculty members who witness their impact firsthand, these students exemplify the values that define the heart of South Side: respect, responsibility, caring, fairness, trustworthiness and citizenship. Honorees included Miller Baron, Maggie Batkin, Ella Brakstad, Patrick Brand, Christian “C.J.” Brower, Joshua Brown, Yuri Carper, Molly Cosgrove, Connor Cusack, Julia Dell’Unto, Patrick Donovan, Owen Doughty, Connor Erickson, Valentina Espinal, Alexa Giannone, Brian Heany, Alice Hoyos, Keyara Jean Jacques, Jayden Johnson, Nikki Juman, Lucas Juravela, A.J. Lewis, Callie Mann, Kyle Martin, Aiden Miller, Jayden Nunez-Bodden, Santos Olivia-Sarmiento, Anneliese Picchioni, Greg Puccio, Mya Shapiro, Lyla Shimkin, Kilian Smith, Peter Tkacs, Colin Villanueva and Yorleni Yanes Zavala.
“It means a lot,” said Tkacs, a junior. “I didn’t expect to be picked for the ‘Breakfast of Champions.’ I didn’t even know it was a thing until now. It was a great experience.”
Teachers shared stories of their nominated students’ everyday kindness, making the ceremony a reflection on the quieter contributions that often go unnoticed in the school community.
“For me, it’s a very special event, and I love it,” said Nicole Knorr, a social worker at the school. “For them, I think they feel seen. And I think that’s a huge thing — to feel seen — because not every kid feels seen all the time.”
The first presentation of the morning set the tone for the rest of the ceremony.
Guidance counselor Marcy Pedone shared a personal story about Baron, recalling how the senior stepped up to help her each day after she returned to school following an injury to her dominant hand that kept her out for the previous year. Without being asked, Miller met her at her car every morning and carried her belongings into the building—a simple but meaningful act that quickly became part of her daily routine.
“This past fall, upon my return to South Side, Miller offered to meet me at my car every day to carry in my belongings, saying, ‘It is the least I can do since you are always there for me,’” she said. “This is a prime example of Miller’s innate helpfulness. Since returning to work, Miller has truly become my ‘right-hand man,’ no pun intended.”
Special education teacher Jessica Goro delivered an impactful speech as she honored Olivia-Sarmiento, a senior and aspiring mechanic who has already been accepted into two trade schools.
“I am over the moon proud of you,” she said to Santos. “I cannot wait to see what beautiful things you do with your life.”
One of the more emotional speeches came from special education teacher Emily Flores, who spoke about Tkacs. She recalled a moment in class when she asked students to take a position on the statement, “People should be forgiven for their past mistakes, no matter how serious.”
Eight of the nine students stood on the “disagree” side, arguing that some actions are unforgivable. Tkacs was the only student on the “agree” side, explaining that people might regret their actions because they were having a bad day, and that others should not judge without understanding what someone may be going through. At the end of the discussion, he told Flores that “sometimes, people make big comebacks.”
