A 13-year-old schoolboy was described as a role model not only for people his age but for all by President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca this morning as he picked up the prestigious Pope John XIII award this morning.

Dylan Muscat was recognized for the kindness and friendship shown towards fellow classmate and best friend Kyle Agius, who has communication difficulties. The boys attend the St Thomas More College Boys' Secondary School in Hamrun and became friends when they were still in primary school.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, young Dylan said he became friends with Kyle because he always has a smile on his face. Kyle’s condition meant that he was hardly spoken to. Dylan helped Kyle integrate in his own group of friends and the two became inseparable.

He accompanies Kyle to and from school every day, spends lunchtime with him and takes care of him however he can, even if Kyle has his own Learning Support Assistant.

A few months back, Dylan, who is currently studying German and graphical design, was accepted for a church school education but when he realized that the move would mean that Kyle would end up alone again, he  made the brave decision to stay behind with his friend. “I realized that he would end up alone in secondary school and I wanted to be there for him,” said Dylan.

Speaking at the award ceremony, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said Dylan had earned respect and admiration from his fellow students and teachers. “Dylan is an exemplary boy who never expects anything in return. He is another young man who is showing great love for others. He has not only found a best friend but has also become a great example and a role model to us all. The love you have shown Kyle is the greatest gift you could have ever given him."

"Undoubtedly, you are doing this because your own heart is filled with love.” The President also applauded Dylan’s parents, Silvio and Fiona, for instilling in their son the great values of love, kindness and respect. She called on all parents to do the same.

Speaking to this paper, Mrs Muscat said: “We have always tried our best to raise our son with strong values. May he remain the kind person he is, helping others from the heart without expecting anything back.” The decision for Dylan to remain alongside his friend at the Hamrun public school was not an easy one, Mrs Muscat said. “When he was accepted we were very happy for him but Dylan began to cry. His first thoughts were of Kyle, and what would happen to him if they became separated. He said Kyle would become lost and that he would not part with him. We spoke about this as a family and realized that this was what our son wished for.”

Fr Dionysius Mintoff said he was impressed by the kindness shown by Dylan. “I was impressed by the strength of their friendship and the sacrifice made by Dylan. I have also seen the change Kyle has gone through, from a loner to a more open and confident child.” Fr Mintoff said the award, organized by the Peace Laboratory, offers a chance for the country to stop and listen and witness something positive, for a change. “All children have goodness within them. In this event we choose someone to represent them all.”

Dylan had shown through his actions, he said, that happiness was not achieved through pre-planning but through contact with people.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo and former Presidents and Prime Ministers also attended the event.

Photos: Jonathan Borg