By Arlene Ferreira
Reporter

CARLSTADT — In a day when there is so much focus on what kids do wrong, the sixth graders of the Carlstadt Public School proved they can make a difference. Inspired by the story of the late Mattie Stepanek and his mother, the students worked to get the school library named “The Peace Library” in his honor.

Photo by Arlene Ferreira Jen Stepanek — mother of Mattie, who died of muscular dystrophy — signs his book “Just Peace” for Carlstadt Public School students.

Mattie Stepanek died in 2004 at the age of 14 after having lived his life confined to a wheelchair because of muscular dystrophy. Despite his short life, he did more to spread love, peace and hope than some people that live to be 100 years old. He had been writing poems and sharing words of wisdom since a very young age. Before his death, he had become well known throughout the country, having appeared on “Good Morning America” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” His mother, Jen Stepanek, wheelchair-bound as well, has continued to keep Mattie’s spirit and work for peace alive.

On Tuesday, May 22, Stepanek, who travels the country, visited Carlstadt Public School. She wanted to meet the children who have corresponded with her and expressed a desire to live life like Mattie. Much to the credit of the faculty and parents of the sixth graders in attendance, they sat quietly and respectfully for almost two hours, getting to know Mattie’s mom.

Their questions ranged from, “How long does your wheelchair stay charged up?” to “What words would you use to describe Mattie?” Student Andrew Maliszewski, 12 years old, mentioned that after having shared letters with Stepanek, he and his fellow sixth graders felt like they knew her before they met her in person. What touched him most about Mattie? “… even though he had a fatal disease, he looked peace right in the eye and fought for it.”

Teacher Michael Mangone began this journey in 2001 after watching Mattie on television. Mattie’s touching poetry and heartsongs, despite having lived his life with such tragedies resonated with him. He felt that it is “so easy to criticize each other, the same power in words used to destroy, could be turned around to heal and do better things.” So every year, he has made sure the students read and study Mattie’s poems in order to realize not only how fortunate they are, but what difference they can make in this world. This past Christmas, the students took things a step further and sent letters, poems and a video to Stepanek. It was at this time she knew she would have to make a visit to these students. After a cancellation due to bad weather, she was finally able to make an appearance.

In attendance as well were PTA representatives, the Carlstadt Education Association, school board officials and local politicians, including Mayor Will Roseman. The talk sparked raw emotions not always found when you put 11- and 12-year-olds in a room with their teachers for 2-plus hours. When the class sang a special song to Stepanek, “Change for Good,” from the Broadway play “Wicked,” there wasn’t a dry eye in the gymnasium. It was an unique moment not expected, most especially since it was brought on by a young man no longer with us. Spiritually, people expressed they could feel his presence everywhere.

The difference in the students, Mangone said, is unbelievable. They are constantly asking themselves, “How would Mattie handle this?" Sixth grader Miranda Schmalfuhs said, “I don’t fight back like normal, now if I fight with my mom, I stop and take a break. … I plan to be a daycare teacher and teach the kids about Mattie.”

Another student, Andrew said, “When I get older, I want to be a video game programmer and put peace messages and heartsongs by Mattie in my videos.”

Listening to the children made you understand why Stepanek, a paraplegic herself, having gone through the heartache of losing not only Mattie, but three other children, goes to great lengths to continue spreading Mattie’s mission.

After the children asked their questions and sang their song, she had a few gifts for them. She presented them with five “Sunset Memorial Ribbons of Hope” inspired by Mattie’s best friend, Hope Wyatt, and her mother. Sixth grade teachers were asked to give them to five students that would in turn give them to students they felt needed a message of hope in their life. The other gift was a “peacemaker box” that contained 450 messages of hope and inspiration, words of wisdom Mattie inspired. It will be stationed in the library and available for students to go find messages that would help them get through life.

After the gifts were presented and pictures were taken, Stepanek was taken up to the new library that includes a spectacular view, so that she could be presented with gifts. First Mayor Roseman presented her with a proclamation from the township, declaring May 22 Mattie Stepanek Day. “Every May 22,” Mayor Roseman said, “all flags in Carlstadt will fly half-mast in honor of Mattie’s struggle for world peace.” Board of Education Superintendent Frank Legato, unveiled a plaque with Mattie’s picture, officially naming the library, “The Peace Library.”

Both the PTA and CEA presented her with checks to purchase a brick at the facility in Maryland that will be named after Mattie. Finally, the students offered their gifts, which included a beautiful handmade quilt, each square made personally by each sixth grade student, as well as cards and pictures.

Anyone who wants to learn more about Mattie Stepanek can visit his Web site at www.mattieonline.com. The site includes updates on the King Farm facility being built in his hometown of Rockville, Md., and a place to purchase his books and the ribbons of hope, which help raise money for MDA.

On July 16, the Hallmark Channel will have a special feature about Mattie and his mom during its new morning program (check local listings).