First-Grader, Mason Peoples, Raises Over $20,000 For College For “Listening To His Mom”

Parents impress upon their children the importance of following directions and adhering to rules. And one first-grader – not only understood the assignment, but he also aced the test and earned money for college in the process.

With many schools going back to in-person classes, protection against COVID-19 has been up in the air as school districts fight over what’s best for children. However, even with a war waging over masks in school– educational institutions are not foregoing picture day.

Nicole Peoples’ son, Mason, showed up for picture day with a fresh fit and fade– and his mask. The proud mom told her son to keep his mask throughout the school day, and Mason did just that. She shared the adorable story on Facebook, and it went viral.

When it was the first-grader’s turn to smile for the camera, an interesting conversation between the photographer and the boy ensued.

“Photographer: Ok, take your mask off.

Mason: My mom said to keep it on all the time unless I’m eating and far away from everybody.

Photographer: I’m sure it’s ok to take it off for your pictures.

Mason: No, my mom seriously told me to make sure to keep it on.

Photographer: Are you sure you don’t want to take it off for 2 seconds?

Mason: No Thank you, I always listen to my mom!

Photographer: Ok, say cheese!”

We aren’t sure if Mason was smiling underneath his mask, but his school picture was hilarious and adorable.

On the Facebook post, Nicole expressed her pride regarding her son’s obedience, writing, “I’m so proud of him for sticking to his word, but I should have been more clear about my rules on this day.”

One Facebook user commended Nicole for teaching him about owning his autonomy even when an adult challenges it.

“You should be proud! It has to be hard to stand up to an adult but he had the confidence to stand up for what he thought was right. Good job mama!”

The post which has garnered over 16,000 shares prompted the mom to start a GoFundMe because people wanted to send Mason a cash gift for being such a good boy.

“Mason and I are overjoyed and in awe of the outpouring of love that we have received over his picture day school picture. He has read so many of your comments with the biggest smile on his face! He is so happy to see so many people proud of him and saying he did such a good job,” Nicole wrote. “(He is so proud!) ☺️All of you have made my little one’s day!! He is such a good kind-hearted, caring, loving, smart, and helpful little boy. Thank you for showing him that his honesty and integrity will make a big difference in this world.”

She continued, “Many of you have reached out to ask how you can send money for gifts, ice cream, or Mason’s college scholarship fund so I have created this GoFundMe account to do just that. Thank you again for your kind words and support showing him that following directions can make a BIG difference.”

The fundraiser had a $7 goal. Almost $21,000 worth of money has been donated to Mason’s college fund.

We know that Mason is going to be great at whatever he chooses to do in life.

And we are sure he had the best photo out of the entire class.