To the Journal editor:

Gilbert Elementary School in Gwinn was recently highlighted in The Mining Journal in an article about Dr. Frank Farbod presenting about craniofacial surgeries with fifth graders.

His message was relating to the book “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio, which our students had read, and he also chose to read. Dr. Frank’s presentation was also about empathy for others regardless of how large or small their differences were.

When I emailed the Facial Surgery Institute asking Dr. Frank to come to our school because we were reading the book “Wonder,” I was thinking this busy surgeon does not have the time to do a school visit, and he would probably chuckle at the request.

However, his passion for what he does and genuine character inspired him to carve out a window of time to do so. But his generosity didn’t stop there.

Dr. Frank surprised us with gift bags for each Gilbert fifth grader from the Children’s Craniofacial Association. Each gift contained the hardcover book “Wonder,” a T-shirt with the book’s cover, Wonder pin, wristband, bookmark, and a special card signed by Dr. Frank, which included this quote by Tenzin Gyatso (1935), “The true essence of humankind is kindness.

There are other qualities which come from education or knowledge, but it is essential, if one wishes to be a genuine human being and impart satisfying meaning to one’s existence, to have a good heart.”

Our students and teachers were amazed to receive such generous gifts. Gilbert students and teachers thank Dr. Frank Farbod and his staff for making this connection with our fifth-grade students possible

The presentation and message is still resonating in our hearts.

Deborah Goldsworthy

Fifth-grade teacher

Gilbert Elementary School

Gwinn Area Community Schools