Medfield Whiz Kids: Community Warriors Show What Boys Are Made Of

“What are little boys made of? Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails, that's what little boys are made of.” 

A group of 14 third grade boys from have been proving that nursery rhyme wrong for two years now. These boys call themselves the “Community Warriors,” and for the past two years they have met on a monthly basis to perform a variety of community service projects throughout Medfield and beyond.

Meet the Community Warriors:

• Ray
• Luke M.
• Luke S.
• Jack M.
• Jack Mc.
• Jack C.
• Jake
• Camron
• Jimmy
• John
• Nick
• Will
• Philip
• Mike

Two recent events stand out to show what these boys are really made of:

On Wednesday, May 18, the Community Warriors had the privilege of interviewing seven local veterans at the Center on Ice House Road in honor of Memorial Day. The boys had prepared for their interviews several weeks before by attending an etiquette class with local manners expert, Millie Downing. Among other topics she covered, she gave the boys suggestions on the art of introductions, making a first impression, and polite and respectful conversation. On the day of the interviews, the veterans - Peyton March, Phil Burr, Tom Sweeney, Ralph Parmigiane, Ken Cook, Gerard Irwin and Lee Tredway - spent an hour each with the boys, answering their questions and sharing their stories and experiences. The boys learned about WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam, they learned about life in Medfield many years ago, and they learned from the men the true meaning of Memorial Day. 

After their interviews, the boys each designed a poster paying tribute to the veterans and their service to this country. The posters were on display in the cafeteria at the Wheelock School for the week before Memorial Day and are currently at the Center. 

On Saturday, May 21, the Community Warriors held a bake sale at the Wheelock soccer fields to raise money for their fellow third grader, , who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in November.  The boys worked at the bake sale for four hours, using their unique marketing skills and newly learned etiquette to raise over $700 for the Bonfilio family. While their mothers supervised the sale, the boys really owned the event.

After the sale, the entire group went to Olivia’s house to present her with the money and offer their well-wishes.

Sure, these boys have plenty of frogs and snails and puppy-dogs’ tails, but the Community Warriors are also made of integrity, character, compassion and a strong desire to serve their community.