Five Boys Made A Pact After Seeing A Boy Get Bullied. What They Do For Him Is Amazing
June 2, 2015
When James Willmert was picked on at school, five 5th grade boys decided to have his back for the school year.
Photo: Boyd Huppert, KARE
James has a learning disability, which makes him an easy target for bullies.
Photo: Boyd Huppert, KARE
"Why pick on someone," 5th grader Jack Pemble begins to ask, as his friend Jake Burgess finishes his question, "who has special needs?"
Jack and Jake saw James being teased on the playground, even though James is not in their class. They decided right then and there to have James' back, and three more friends - Gus, Tyler, and Landon - joined the gang.
Every day at lunch, the five boys invite James to their table.
Photo: Boyd Huppert, KARE
"He used to not want to go out for recess or anything, it would be like a struggle," says Margi Willmert, James' mom. "And now he can barely eat his lunch to get outside to play with those guys."
When playing football, they always make sure James gets more than his share of carries - as well as several touchdowns.
Photo: Boyd Huppert, KARE
The boys learned that James was adopted from an orphanage in Colombia and that six years later his new father passed away in a bicycle accident. Since James doesn't have a father to throw a ball to him, the boys have been glad to take on that role.
"They're changing him," says James' mom. "We just got a basketball hoop last week because he now loves basketball."
Photo: Boyd Huppert, KARE
And they're still not done.
When the boys found out James didn't own a video game system, they pitched in with their own money to buy him a brand new Playstation.
James' mom said it was the first time friends from school had ever come over to play with him.
After being nominated by their teacher, Mankato Area Public Schools honored the five boys with its Spirit of Youth Award - a well-deserved award for such outstanding young gentlemen.
The James gang / KARE
"All these guys are the best friends that anybody could ask for," James said in a group hug. "I love you guys."
Credit: KARE.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Strangers At Park Join Single Mom To Sing Happy Birthday, Creating A Magical Moment
Helicopter Footage Captures Home Miraculously Saved From Tennessee Flood
Why You Should Stop Waking Up To Your Phone’s Alarm, According To New Research
Why Kids In This Japanese Town Are Obsessed With Trading Cards Of Local Grandpas
Heartbroken Child Writes 7-Page Letter After Giving Up Her Beloved Cat
4-Year-Old Piano Prodigy Wins 1st Place At World Competition With Beethoven Performance
A Cowboy's Last Wish: Ride His Favorite Horse One Last Time
Elephants Form Protective Circle Around Young During Earthquake At San Diego Zoo
Town Comes Together To Move Bookstore One Book At A Time
Father And Son's Original Song Moves Judges To Tears, Wins Golden Buzzer
