Terrific Kids

Hillsborough Kiwanis Club’s Terrific Kids Program

The Terrific Kids program was first conceived by the Kiwanis Club in Black Mountain, NC in the 1990’s.. Now this unique program can be found in schools all over the US and even around the world. The Hillsborough Kiwanis Club has been sponsoring the Terrific Kids programs in the Orange County School District since 1996. We are currently in every elementary school in the county.
Terrific Kids is a student recognition program that promotes character development. The children can set goals with their teacher to improve behavior, peer relationships, learning goals, etc. The teacher and sometimes the class pick 2 students each month from the class to be honored as a Terrific Kid. “Terrific” is an acronym for a collection of positive traits:

T….Thoughtful
E….Enthusiastic
R….Respectful
R….Responsible
I….Inclusive
F….Friendly
I….Inquisitive
C….Caring

This program provides teachers with a tool to reward students for special achievements that might otherwise go unrecognized.

Each month starting in September through April, the school has a recognition ceremony. Parents, other relatives, friends and neighbors come to watch and cheer. When each child’s name is called, they come to the front of the group to receive a certificate, bumper sticker and other gifts. The teacher has written a short testimonial about why that child was chosen that is read to the group. That testimonial is written on the back of the certificate that the child takes home so it can be reread and help reinforce their good behaviors.

This program encourages development of partnerships between the business community and the school. It helps promote children being helpful and kind and by being good learners.