When first grader Mason Peoples went to take his school picture, a Dorian Studio photographer presented the six-year-old with a difficult question which turned into a hilarious exchange that went viral on his mother Nicole Tucker’s Facebook last week.

Sporting his mask, the photographer requested for Mason to take off his mask for his shining moment. 

Following his mother’s orders Mason responds, ”My mom said to keep it on all the time unless I’m eating and far from everybody.”

The photographer reportedly suggested to Mason the removal of the mask would only be temporary to take the picture.

The first grader insists, “No, Thank you, I always listen to my mom!”

The photographer responds, “Ok, say cheese!”

The standard protocol for Dorian Studio is to verify with schools if masks are optional for students prior to conducting the portraits. Upon approval from the school, the photographer presents the option to students, Good Morning America reports.

“If students don’t want to [remove their mask] because of safety concerns, we don’t push them,” she said. “[The photographer] did exactly what she was supposed to do,” Matthew Comfort, the branch manager for Dorian Studio shared with Good Morning America.

Upon sharing the interaction on Facebook, Nicole was not prepared for the support she would receive from the general public. Her son’s obedience was matched with inquisitive users who insisted they wanted to lend a helping hand.

Nicole opened a GoFundMe account for generous users who were seeking to make a donation toward Mason’s future. In turn, the college scholarship fund has raised over $36,000 since its creation. 

“Mason and I are overjoyed and in awe of the outpouring of love that we have received over his picture day school picture,” Nicole said on Facebook. “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! (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. Thank you again for your kind words and support showing him that following directions can make a BIG difference.”

Good for you, Mason! We can’t wait to see you and your bright future shine.