Classmates, community get behind cancer patient

POLSON — Over at Cherry Valley Elementary School on Friday afternoon, Mrs. Peterson’s  kindergarten class was hard at work making birthday cards in anticipation of fellow student Cole Whitworth’s sixth birthday. The birthday celebration was even more special than most, as Cole had been absent from school for the past three weeks since he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. Cole’s teacher Jackie Peterson said, “I found out three weeks ago and I took it really hard. He is so wonderful and has such a wonderful family.” Since Cole had been out of school, “it was really important to make this day special,” Mrs. Peterson said.  When Cole arrived he was greeted with excitement by his fellow classmates. The class gave Cole cards they had prepared and Mrs. Peterson led the class in singing Cole’s favorite song, “The Duck Song,”  before singing “Happy Birthday” and partaking in a cupcake snack.