East Valley Middle School (EVMS) students partnered with Kindness Makes Miracles on Friday to stand up to bullying in schools and online.
Students wrote pledges on posters explaining what kindness means to them and to support creating a friendly and healthy environment.
“What kindness means to me is just being a good person even when no one’s watching and being kind to everyone and making sure everyone is doing okay,” said Ella Pickett, an 8th grader.
The posters will be displayed in the school as a reminder of the student pledges and to encourage students to call out bullying when they see it.
“Bullying really isn’t okay – it’s not okay at all – and everyone should feel like they’re not alone and be a part of something special,” said Cael Murgel, an 8th grader.
Kindness Makes Miracles was founded by Carl O’Loughlin and his wife shortly after their daughter Kelly was killed.
“My daughter died as a result of bullying and not too long after we decided to promote kindness like this,” said O’Loughlin. “To be a part of this today, especially on this scale, is just great.”
Kelly was bullied by her fellow classmates, which ultimately made her leave school.
“Bullying can end up being very tragic like it was for us. There’s a lot of negativity in this world and a lot negative influence and this kind of promotion of kindness can only help,” said O’Loughlin.
Kindness Makes Miracles and the Helena Knights of Columbus provided ice cream for the students who participated.
You can find more information about Kindness Makes Miracles here.
-Reported by John Riley/MTN News
