It’s never too young to start making a difference. And one 13-year-old boy proved that in his Louisiana middle school back when he came up with a brilliant idea to promote equality and the importance of feeling good.
What an Eight-Grader Did for His Fellow Classmates
In 2019, Chase Neyland-Square wanted to make a difference at Port Allen Middle School. He understood that he had access to things that some of his fellow students didn’t, and he believed in the importance of everyone feeling good about themselves. So he set up a special closet behind the school’s stage called PAM’s Pantry.
“I know that everybody doesn’t have things and I’m fortunate to have things that other people don’t have,” he told local CBS affiliate WAFB. “I look at it as sometimes, how would I feel in this situation?”
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The closet is stocked with clothes, shoes, coats, and other essentials, as well as a variety of school supplies like markers, pencils, and binders. All of it is possible through word of mouth and community donations.
“I wanted to make a difference in the school because I wanted everybody to feel equal,” he continued. “Sometimes kids have less confidence in the classroom because of their apparel or what they have on.”
How One Boy Impacted People by Spreading His Love
According to Neyland-Square’s mom, Amanda Square, her son has always had a big heart. In an interview with Good Morning America, she revealed that in the past he’s hosted dinners for senior citizens and once donated 700 pairs of socks to homeless people.
“He seems to have a great passion for people,” she told the publication. “It makes me proud because we’re very blessed and I always encourage him to bless others.”
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“My favorite part about helping with the pantry is getting types of clothes and sorting them out to give to various people,” Neyland-Square also revealed.
It makes me feel good because I know that I can make a difference in my school.
Chase Neyland-Square
PAM’s Pantry wasn’t just a random idea; it was born out of encouragement through a larger summer program at the school called SPARK (Student Program for Arts, Recreation, and Knowledge). According to principal Jessica Major, the program was launched to help inspire and empower young leaders and students to make a difference in their community. Through it, students pitch ideas about how they can help others at the school, where many students come from low-income households.
“We really want the kids to feel like they have somewhere to go when they need something,”
Major told GMA. “We only have 215 kids so we're able to get to know them really well... and try to help them where we can.”
In the interview with WAFB, Major added that so far other ideas have included lunch with the principal to celebrate good grades, extended recess, and more library books.
How One Boy Proved the Importance of Empowering the Youth
As this story proves, it’s never too early to start encouraging and empowering kids to think about their communities and ways to give back. That could be by asking kids how they think they can make a difference, donating your time together at a local charity, or organizing some kind of food or clothing drive.
Leading by example and doing some of these things together is also motivating, plus it’s just a good excuse to spend some time together while doing something worthwhile. At the end of the day, it will instill strong morals and a sense of community within your family, but it could also go a long way towards building empathy, compassion, and gratefulness.
After all, kids are the future. Deciding how we want to try and model and inspire that future is up to us.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.