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PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP — With months to live, 8-year-old Johnny Teis lives up to his nickname: Johnny the Brave.

“He doesn’t get down or feel sorry for himself,” said Johnny’s father, Rob Teis. “When his sister was crying about it one day, he said, ‘It’s all right; I’m still alive today.’”

Johnny was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May, soon after his family moved from this area to Gravette, Ark. In December, after treatment held the inoperable tumor at bay, doctors said he had six to 12 months to live.

On Friday, Johnny was honored with an assembly at Chandler Woods Charter Academy, where he attended kindergarten and half of first grade.

“Johnny is continuing to be brave, and we want to show that we are proud of him,” a third-grader read, as classmates each told a little part of Johnny’s story.

The school, which made courage its “moral focus” for February, is raising money for the Johnny Teis Fund, to help the family with supplements and medicines not covered by insurance. Students also plan to send Johnny valentines.

During Friday’s assembly The third-graders told how Johnny used Make-A-Wish money to go to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Ormond Beach, Fla., with his parents and four siblings.

“One of his favorite parts was feeding the dolphins,” a student read.

Teacher Melissa Flickinger, who had Johnny’s brother, Robbie, as a student, said children often ask for updates on Johnny.

His father, in a phone interview, said Johnny is pretty much paralyzed on his left side, with even his smile affected. He said Johnny’s biggest frustration is not being able to make his body do things when his mind works fine.

“He’s come to grips with it for being as young as he is,” Rob Teis said. “He realizes what’s ahead.”

Teis and his wife, Amanda, are graduates of Cornerstone University, which will honor Johnny at a home basketball game at 3 p.m. today, passing out “Johnny’s Army” T-shirts to the first 500 fans. Johnny and Robbie, former ball boys for the team, and their dad planned to fly in late Friday for the game.

Johnny’s current hometown, Gravette also has honored him. The mayor declared Jan. 29 as Johnny the Brave Day. His current school held an assembly with large banners, placards and T-shirts in green, Johnny’s favorite color.

Rob Teis said he appreciates all the support.

“It makes us feel very loved,” he said of Chandler Woods’ assembly. “We appreciate being remembered.”

Teis said he talks to Johnny about heaven and Johnny said he’s ready to go.

“When he’s there, he’ll be well and able to do the things he enjoys,” Teis said.

“We know we’ll see him again, but it’s hard to lose a son, to lose the dreams he has and the dreams you have for him. I think of the seating arrangement we have in the minivan and how there will be an empty seat.”

The family posts updates on Facebook at “Prayer for Johnny.” A slideshow is on YouTube.com. Chandler Woods will accept donations through February for the family.