A group of high school students is making waves in Mesa County, proving that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Through the ‘Kindness is Contagious’ initiative, District 51 students are spreading positivity across the community, starting with local law enforcement.
Students Leave Their Mark on Sheriff’s Patrol Cars
Fruita Monument High School’s Student Council kicked off the week-long event by visiting the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. Instead of their usual school activities, students grabbed paintbrushes and decorated patrol cars with colorful, uplifting messages.
Molly Casey, Information & Communication Manager for the sheriff’s office, said the surprise was well received.
“A lot of them had no idea that their cars were going to be painted, so they came out and it was really fun.”
The goal? To show appreciation for law enforcement while fostering a culture of kindness in the community.
Spreading Positivity Beyond the Sheriff’s Office
The initiative didn’t stop there. Throughout the week, students carried out acts of kindness at various locations, including neighboring schools. Their efforts included:
- Handing out sweet treats to students and faculty.
- Decorating hallways with heart-shaped displays featuring student names.
- Writing encouraging notes and distributing them throughout school buildings.
The project aims to remind students and staff that small gestures can brighten someone’s day.
The Importance of Kindness
For the students involved, the message behind the initiative is just as important as the acts themselves.
“It’s necessary to help those who help us in our everyday lives feel as though they can spread kindness,” said Lana Garcia, a Fruita Monument High School student. “It’s important for others to see that their officers care about them.”
Student Council Member Abby Talley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how simple it is to be kind.
“Being nice is a lot easier than you think it is. It’s a lot easier than being mean to someone,” Talley said. “You don’t know what somebody is going through, so reach out, be nice to somebody, and try your hardest to help other people out.”
Wrapping Up Kindness Week
To conclude the initiative, students plan to distribute Valentine’s Day cards to all their classmates—a final reminder that kindness, no matter how small, can make a lasting difference.
