One drop can cause a ripple. That is the idea behind La Porte High School’s Kindness Campaign. Started by teacher Erin Parker and Christin Keirn after New Year’s, the movement has taken on a life of its own.
“I was inspired after watching the Kid President video on YouTube. He challenged everyone to make this year awesome for someone else. This became my New Year’s resolution, and my students really picked up on it,” Parker said.
Each week, students in Parker’s third hour class plan an act of kindness to be executed on Monday. Thus far the acts have included “making goody bags full of candy and supplies for the secretaries, making cookies for the lunch ladies, bringing doughnuts for the janitors, decorating teachers’ doors and surprising a teacher with a string of compliments.”
Judith Ridley, a teacher at La Porte High School, was a recipient of the random compliments. The student’s entered her classroom unannounced, formed a line, and proceeded to shower her with praises.
“It was just wonderful! I was completely taken by surprise. I tried to reciprocate the concept in my class, but to be a recipient of the kindness was amazing. I have the most incredible job in the world, although sometimes it can be trying. This just made me appreciate everything more. I was just glowing for days. We all need to do it,” Ridley gushed.
Parker’s principle goal was to inspire others to join the campaign and to support her students.
“The ideas come about organically through the kids. I want them to develop the ideas, and I help make them possible,” Parker said.
The movement will continue to grow and develop. What started as a one class project is hoped to expand into a community wide movement.
“I want this to bring others together and implement a community project. When the weather gets nice we plan to stand outside the court house and spread cheer to the town. We want to keep this positive message going,” Parker said.
To spread the message, Parker and her students from first and third period created a video about what kindness has done for them. The video is a heartwarming segment that has produced a lot of buzz. It currently has over 2,000 views on YouTube, and The Kid President himself tweeted about the video. On Feb. 19, the participating students were honored at the local school board meeting.
The more people the video can touch, the better the community will be. Challenge yourself and others to join the campaign and make a difference.
“The Kindness Campaign has been amazing. I got to learn about how making someone’s day can make yours,” student Jordan Frame said.
Since the campaign began spirits have been high at La Porte High School.
“I’ve become more inspired and much happier. Teens are capable of doing anything. We have become like a family, and I have noticed the kids working harder. If that is what comes of this, then that is perfect,” Parker said.