LEXINGTON, Ky. — A small gesture goes a long way with Russell Cave Elementary School. Principal Amber Catron says her students are dedicated to making the world a little more kind.
The elementary school is one of four being highlighted for its acts of human kindness.
CHI Saint Joseph Health in Lexington inspired the special recognition from its “Chalk-it-up for kindness” initiative, which motivated the community to go outside and create chalk drawings.
The initiative has now transformed into the “Art of Human Kindness” inside Lexington schools.
Demetria Blair has been the hospital’s violence prevention manager for over 20 years. She says they provide resources and programs inside of schools to keep students engaged.
“Principles of collaboration, principles of compassion and care, principles of integrity and inclusion.” Blair described. “empathy and understanding. And if we were to sum all that up, that’s human kindness.”
She says they provide students with different resources and mediums. The fourth and fifth graders at Russell Cave Elementary were given polaroid cameras to show how kindness is demonstrated.
“Like the old school cameras that bring you the pictures out and you shake them and the kids love that,” Catron said.
Catron says the students flourished at the opportunity to expand their art and media skills. Nearly 500 students joined the hospital’s mission this year.
Blair says kids are impacted by the challenges of the environment daily.
“Oftentimes, our students are quick to do what they may have seen in their homes and their neighborhoods, in their communities that aren’t always positive,” Blair said.
However, she says one word, gesture, or image may help or bring them encouragement for kindness. Values Catron says she hopes her students continue to embody.
“What they’re learning now and what they’re showing us that they can do, we’re hoping that they can continue to do that on a bigger scale in our communities,” Catron explained. An affectionate step toward a brighter future for students.