‘Every Kid is a Hero’ foundation returns in Sumner County

GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Students in special education courses in Sumner County were treated to a special event that recognized them as the star of their own comic book story.

The “Every Kid is a Hero Foundation” was started three years ago by a Station Camp High School teacher. Now, it has exploded into a large community event that brings good people together for a greater cause.

Every Sumner County student in a special education course is given a comic book where they are the main character. The book includes their name, face and inspiring story. 

“We want them to feel like they’re special, like they’re super,” said Britt Maxwell, president of the foundation. “Like people care about them and they’re able to do things they didn’t think, maybe, that they could.” 

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. So what would these superheroes do with it?

“Change my bedtime,” said Gabby, a Gallatin high schooler dressed in a cape and mask for the occasion.  

Over 100 Sumner County students dressed in their best capes and masks Thursday morning. And for every superhero, there was a supervillain. Naturally, the drama students filled those roles. 

It was a fun, active event, filled with games, ice cream, and a chance to be outside the classroom. There was also a captivating storyline in it all.

“Really, there’s no better way to believe in yourself than to see yourself as the hero of your own comic book,” said Maxwell. “Comic books are different than any other kind of medium because they can show the vulnerabilities of a hero. Someone can be both super and also have a weakness at the same time. And it’s not our powers that make us heroes, it’s overcoming our adversity.” 

At the end of the event, Sumner County special education teachers were gifted a $12,000 check from the foundation to divide and help their programs in whatever way they see fit. 

Every Kid is a Hero is solely donation driven. If you would like to help their efforts, click HERE.