While the thrill of crossing the finish line is often the highlight of sporting events, this year’s district cross-country race was marked by a different kind of achievement: the outstanding friendship and sportsmanship shown by two Nelson Heights School students, Titus Nichol and Jace Moon.
Titus and Jace’s friendship goes back to Grade 3, when Titus was being bullied and Jace intervened. Since then their friendship has only grown - they share lunch together every day and are rarely apart at recess.
This year, both boys decided to tackle cross-country running together. They practiced side-by-side, cheering each other on whenever challenges arose. True to form, they approached the district race as a team.
“We decided to run together,” explained Jace. “We always do things together.”
Titus found some parts of the course difficult and also experienced cramps, making it challenging to continue.
“I would encourage him to keep going,” said Jace. “We slowed down and walked for a bit and then I gave him a piggy back. He got cramps, but he kept going.”
Titus is quick to point out that he wasn’t the only runner that Jace helped out that day.
“One student was hurt and Jace stopped to help him,” Titus said. “That’s what Jace likes to do.”
When the duo came across an injured runner, Jace didn’t hesitate. He sent another runner to get help, found someone to continue the race with Titus, and stayed with the injured runner until assistance arrived. Then he sprinted to catch up with his friend.
The pair eventually crossed the finish line hand in hand, celebrating their accomplishment together.
“Everyone at the event, young and old, recognized how special the connection between the boys is,” said Nelson Heights Assistant Principal Kelly Eagles. “Another student’s mother reached out to share how impressed her son was by their kindness and teamwork. He even said he wasn’t sure he’d have sacrificed his own finish time to help someone else. He found it truly inspiring.”
For their incredible character and dedication to helping others, Titus Nichol and Jace Moon are the Northern Lights Public Schools Student Shining Stars for November. Each month during the 2024-2025 school year, NLPS celebrated students like Titus and Jace, who make a positive impact on those around them.