A few hundred of us were fortunate to attend an event Wednesday in Waco that paid tribute to some truly incredible children.

Although young in years, their accomplishments and contributions to our community dwarf many of us who have far more years on them. And they give us tremendous hope for the next great generation.

Camp Fire USA’s Absolutely Incredible Kid Day luncheon at Baylor University’s Ferrell Center featured 10 area students who all have done magnificent feats.

Despite being superior students, they all overcame unquestionable odds and have shown compassion and helpfulness to others.

Honoree Katherine Simons, a McGregor eighth- grader, struggles with dyslexia yet is caregiver to her mother, who has a brain tumor. She gives her shots and cooks her dinner while maintaining high grades.

Waco High School senior class president Raquel Graves will start Baylor next fall with 20 college credits. She organized a sickle cell anemia telethon in honor of a classmate, as well as the first senior class trip. She did all this despite the recent death of her father.

Adam Salinas, 11, a Boy Scout from South Waco Elementary School, had the wits to call 9-1-1 and dress his father’s head wounds after his dad was attacked one day on his way home. His quick thinking is credited with saving his dad’s life.

Bosqueville High School senior Cole Neville coaches basketball to special-needs students.

His classmate, Kamey Newman, is ranked second in their graduating class and is a cheerleader despite suffering from a recent neurological disorder.

Ileana Sanchez, a senior at Reicher Catholic High School, has maintained a 99.6 GPA while caring for her mother, who has breast cancer. When her father took ill, she spent nights at his hospital bedside and never let her grades falter.

“I feel blessed to be acknowledged and to know I’m not the only one who has struggles, yet has still succeeded. It helps me to keep going,” she said.

Emotions ran high as tale after incredible tale was heard. “We all work hard, but we don’t hold a candle to some of the accomplishments these kids are making,” Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy said. “We are humbled by them.”

Speaker Lyndon Olson, former ambassador to Sweden, told them to embrace their leadership roles throughout life and to honor even those whom they disagree with. “You are not just amazing kids, you are incredible role models,” he said. “You are pretty awesome and inspirational.”

DuPuy declared it “Absolutely Incredible Kids Day” in Waco and read a proclamation encouraging all to praise a child.

Honoree Javion Thomas one-upped her, taking the stage and thanking his grandparents for being “terrific role models.”

That’s quite incredible!

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