Daniel Barden
![Picture](/uploads/2/7/7/7/27773199/536979.jpg?411)
Daniel
Barden was born on September 27th in Pawling, NY to two adoring
parents, Jacqueline and Mark Barden.
Daniel was your average boy who loved to play soccer, swim, play foosball, ride waves on the beach, read, play the drums and making s'mores around the bonfire. What made him stand out was his inspiring spirit of kindness and generosity, outgoing and affectionate nature, and his imaginative play. His kindness brought joy to all those around him and that kind nature has always helped him do well in school. He always served as a big helper to his teacher and classmates.
One of Daniel’s most inspiring memories in his early life was also one of his most tragic. One day while he was working in his reading group with his classmates, his school went into a lockdown. He heard some gunshots, and after about an hour, the police entered his classroom and evacuated his classmates. Daniel later learned that his beloved music teacher had been killed trying to protect his students. The death of Daniel’s favorite teacher forever changed him; as one could naturally imagine it would. But instead of allowing that horrible day to fill him with fear, he used it to fuel his drive to make something of his life. He vowed never to take a moment for granted.
Daniel continued to follow his dreams and went on to win a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics for swimming. He now visits local elementary and middle schools to talk to children; encouraging them to pursue there dreams and never let anyone stop you from doing the right thing.
Daniel was your average boy who loved to play soccer, swim, play foosball, ride waves on the beach, read, play the drums and making s'mores around the bonfire. What made him stand out was his inspiring spirit of kindness and generosity, outgoing and affectionate nature, and his imaginative play. His kindness brought joy to all those around him and that kind nature has always helped him do well in school. He always served as a big helper to his teacher and classmates.
One of Daniel’s most inspiring memories in his early life was also one of his most tragic. One day while he was working in his reading group with his classmates, his school went into a lockdown. He heard some gunshots, and after about an hour, the police entered his classroom and evacuated his classmates. Daniel later learned that his beloved music teacher had been killed trying to protect his students. The death of Daniel’s favorite teacher forever changed him; as one could naturally imagine it would. But instead of allowing that horrible day to fill him with fear, he used it to fuel his drive to make something of his life. He vowed never to take a moment for granted.
Daniel continued to follow his dreams and went on to win a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics for swimming. He now visits local elementary and middle schools to talk to children; encouraging them to pursue there dreams and never let anyone stop you from doing the right thing.