Tad Nieter (holding sign) raised more than $3,200 for the Hope Center in Honduras. Josh Grill (back left) and Sandy Hatcher (back right) visited the class to thank them.

“I’ve never seen a class this involved and this creative,” said Josh Grill to Tad Nieter’s third grade class at Washington Elementary School in Warsaw.

Grill, along with Sandy Hatcher, were visiting the class on behalf of World Compassion Network. Through WCN, Grill and Hatcher work with an orphanage in Honduras called Hope Center. “The Hope Center is where [orphans] are loved back to life,” said Grill.

Nieter got involved with Hope Center last year when he organized a book drive. “We just can’t say enough about Mr. Nieter,” Grill said. “He wants to teach them compassion and empathy,” adds Hatcher.

“He just keeps coming up with these ideas,” continued Grill. “Creative things that get the kids involved.”

Recently, Nieter’s third graders served as wait staff at Noa Noa. Students invited anyone they could find to the restaurant for a buffet dinner. The students served drinks and bussed tables after the meal.

For their efforts, the third graders raised more than $3,200 for Hope Center.

“You guys are a great inspiration,” Hatcher said. “Most of all, you guys are heroes at the Hope Center.”

“Sandy and I are so proud of you,” Grill said. “It’s this ripple effect that goes on and on and on, and it starts with you.”