Gotha Middle School student participates in 'Grant A Wish'

Every year, Orange County Public School teachers have the opportunity to nominate their students and grant a wish for a child. 

This year, one of the students selected was from West Orange. 

Richard Peirre, who attends Gotha Middle School as an eighth-grade student, was nominated for "Grant A Wish" by school nurse Kendra Rodriguez. 

"I adore that child," the nurse said. "He is so kind, he's humble and very sweet."

Rodriguez said the two have grown very close throughout Peirre's middle school years and that she couldn't think of anyone who deserved it more. 

Each year, A Gift For Teaching recognizes three deserving students, one from elementary, middle and high school, for their hard work and outstanding attitude, despite difficult circumstances.

Pierre suffers from Spina Bifida, a defect that occurs when the spine and the spinal cord do not develop completely.

Nominated by their teachers, the students are granted a free five-minute shopping spree at A Gift For Teaching to claim all the supplies and goodies their hearts desire.

Peirre had his family, Rodriguez and Coach Susan at the event. 

This year, the middle school student asked for an umbrella. He got so much more. 

Prior to the beginning of the event, Rodriguez said she and Peirre walked around and scoped out the store and its items. 

"We saw an Amazon fire tablet and you know he doesn't have stuff like that so when he said, 'I want that' I said, 'Oh we're getting that,"' Rodriguez said. 

Pierre also picked out backpacks, home furnishing supplies, toys and more.

He completed the shopping spree with a third grader from Pinewood Elementary School.

The two filled 13 shopping carts and took home more than $9,200 worth of supplies and gifts.

"I just feel like every kid should look up to Richard," Rodriguez said. "This how you're supposed to act in school and he's just an amazing individual. I know he'll go far in life."