Schools
‘He Is Our Teacher’: School Board Honors 4th-Grader Fighting Cancer
Make-A-Wish child selflessly opted for a playground at Berry School—instead of a trip or gift.
When young Jose Montaño—suffering a rare form of brain cancer—was contacted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he was offered whatever his heart desired.
A trip to Disneyland? Meet a sports star?
Neither. Jose asked for a playground at his school, Godfrey G. Berry Elementary in Nestor, just south of Imperial Beach. The ribbon cutting was March 1, Jose’s 11th birthday.
On Thursday, more than 100 teachers, community members and students attended the South Bay Union School board meeting to honor Jose.
What makes Jose so special, they said, is he reminds his classmates every day that it is better to give than receive.
South Bay Union School District Trustee Chris Brown said that when board members discussed the type of students they hope emerge from the district, Jose Montaño exemplifies that vision.
Schools Superintendent Carol Parish’s introduction of Jose and his family was met with overwhelming applause.
Berry Elementary Principal Cynthia Smith-Ough said she was proud to stand beside Jose with a heart full of joy. He was diagnosed with brain cancer about a year ago.
“This playground symbolizes what it means to truly give and to be human,” she said. “Jose is not just a student; he is our teacher.
“As teachers, we want to teach our kids to be compassionate, to love others, and to show what it means to have a heart. I think we all want to be more like Jose.”
Lisa Tremblay, Jose’s teacher, described him as being an inspiration.
“You have taught us many important lessons and have reminded us what is truly important in life—how we treat others through compassion and selfless acts,” Tremblay said.
“In a troubled world, you are a bright light with an important message to share. We are not just listening to you with our ears, but with our hearts. We hope your message spreads throughout San Diego and beyond like a butterfly effect.”
Parish then presented a gift certificate to the Montaño family on behalf of Girl Scout Troop 5957. The troop had decided to donate a portion of this year’s Girl Scout Cookie sales to the family in hopes they would use it to enjoy a family night out, she said.
“They are all here tonight,” Parish said. “And they would very much like to come by and shake your hand.”
