Through a small gesture of kindness, Maddox Bellrose left a big impression on his classmates and the staff at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.
Every day since Grade 6 or 7, the graduating high schooler has held the door open for those entering and exiting the building in the morning, in between classes and after the final bell rang.
Bellrose recalled when he started holding the door every day: “We were in gym class and it was time to go inside. I ran to the door to go in first … and I’m opening the door and I see someone coming, so I stayed there for a bit.
“Then they said ‘thank you’ in a really nice tone. I thought to myself, ‘That’s amazing, I’m going to keep doing that.’ Then a lot more people went inside. I realized I liked doing that a lot, so I kept doing it.
“I feel it to be important to serve the world even in small ways. I also like characters who are assisters in stories and of course people are generally kinder to people who are nice.”
Bellrose said he also prefers not to be in packed hallways, which was never a problem when he held the door open for others.
“People would go into the school and do their thing. By the time I was in there, there were less people, so I’d have more elbow room,” he said.
Every day for past three years, high schooler Maddox Bellrose stood at the front doors to hold the door open for everyone.
— Goodable (@Goodable) June 2, 2022
He wanted them to start their day with a smile.
He graduated this week, and what did everyone do?
They surprised him with the best standing ovation ever! pic.twitter.com/WFWMWdWy5Q
Bellrose was acknowledged with a standing ovation for his door-holding efforts at Lindsay Thurber’s graduation ceremony this past week.
“I feel very bashful about it,” Bellrose admitted when asked how he feels about being considered a Lindsay Thurber legend.
“The compliments do hit me in a way where I very much retreat, but I’m also very grateful for it. I do treasure how they feel. It feels wonderful.”
Brad Layden, Bellrose’s father, recorded the moment when his son was recognized during the graduation ceremony.
“I’m so glad I did because it was an amazing moment,” said Layden.
“He’s a pretty unique dude and in my day things weren’t as easy for unique people. It’s amazing how well he’s been embraced and he doesn’t have to change himself to fit in. He’s 1,000 per cent himself and he keeps finding communities that love him for that. It’s so special.”
As for what his post-Grade 12 plans are for next year, Bellrose said he is weighing his options.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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