Making a list, checking off acts of kindness

Feb. 13, 2025 / Students at Bonanza and Gearhart elementary schools have embraced a challenge: to perform as many acts of kindness as possible during one week. Motivational speaker Fabian Ramirez visited the school on Wednesday, Feb. 12, delivering an inspiring presentation on the importance of kindness to students from kindergarten through sixth grade.

“Am I living in a way that people can find kindness in me?” Ramirez asked, encouraging the students to reflect on that question.

Bonanza Principal Jessica DeLonge said the emphasis on kind acts promotes positive culture and climate within the school.

“This challenge will encourage each student to make a difference,” she said.

Ramirez provided the students with a 36-item Kindness Challenge checklist. Some examples include:

·         Smile at 20 people

·         Leave a kind note in a random library book

·         Give your sibling a big hug

·         Compliment 20 people

·         Help your teacher with a task

·         Stand up for someone in need

·         Dance for no reason until someone smiles

·         Sit with a new group of kids

·         Learn something new about your teacher

Ramirez also shared stories from his childhood, including the nickname "Biscuit" that he was given because of his weight. He explained how he eventually outgrew the nickname and now wears it with pride. Three students received "Run Biscuit" T-shirts for sharing acts of kindness they could perform. Principal DeLonge also presented Ramirez with the school’s annual themed “We Work” T-shirt as a token of appreciation.

Ramirez, who grew up in Houston, Texas, now travels the country speaking at school assemblies and professional development seminars for educators. He shares strategies for preventing bullying and emphasizes the importance of spreading kindness.