Brothers' daily routine inspires kindness at McAnnulty Elementary

Brothers Thomas and Nathan Brose have created a routine to start their morning that has inspired their fellow McAnnulty Elementary School classmates to spread kindness.

Nathan, who is in kindergarten, is 19 months younger than Thomas, a first grader.

Nathan was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 3, according to his mother, Jill Brose.

“We wondered how their relationship would be — Thomas is Nathan’s favorite person in the world,” Brose said. “It’s wonderful to see the love between them.”

Thomas loves teaching Nathan and helping out in every way he can. He loves helping so much that he walks him to his kindergarten classroom every morning.

McAnnulty Elementary School principal Tricia Fusco doesn’t remember how the daily walk started, but she did recall Thomas asking if he could walk Nathan to class — Nathan originally had a para-aide walking with him.

“It ended up being the perfect scenario,” Fusco said. “Thomas loves walking Nathan to class and seeing all the work he has displayed and always makes sure to tell him what a great job he did.”

Fusco spends a lot of time in Nathan’s classroom and said he always laughs and is the “sweetest, most beautiful boy inside and out and a sweet soul. Seeing Thomas and Nathan together is just wonderful,” she said.

Thomas said he feels “good and excited” about helping his brother to his classroom every day.

“It feels good inside, and it makes others feel happy,” he said.

Thomas loves going to see Nathan’s classroom work because it “looks so nice.” Nathan also said that he loves to look at all the artwork on the walls with Thomas.

Before he leaves for first grade every morning, Thomas always makes sure to tell Nathan to have a great day.

When they’re not in school, the boys are inseparable, making obstacle courses together, wrestling and playing “Just Dance” with their little sister Ashlynn on their Nintendo Switch.

“Thomas loves teaching his brother new games and Nathan lights up when playing with his brother,” Brose said.