Kindness comes in many forms—sometimes it’s a grand gesture, and sometimes it’s a quiet moment that makes a big difference. In partnership with Daviess County Public Schools and their Be Kind campaign, Owensboro Parent is proud to highlight students who lead with compassion, empathy, and care for others. Now in its fifth year, the Be Kind campaign continues to celebrate the everyday acts of kindness—big and small—that help create supportive school communities and remind us all that kindness truly counts.
Carly Piercy
4th Grade • Southern Oaks Elementary School
At Southern Oaks Elementary, kindness is at the heart of learning and leadership, and fourth grader Carly Piercy is a shining example.
Carly’s teacher, Ms. Anderson, shared that Carly is always looking for ways to include others. If a student is working alone, Carly invites them to join her group. Classmates also shared that Carly sits with students who may feel lonely at lunch and looks for ways to cheer others up when they are sad. One classmate described Carly as having “a big heart for others.”
Other teachers have noticed Carly’s kindness as well. A former teacher shared that Carly joined their class late last year but quickly became one of the brightest parts of the day. Another noted that Carly always has a smile on her face, uses her manners, asks how others are doing, and consistently shows care for those around her.
Carly’s empathy, optimism, and inclusive spirit make a meaningful difference at Southern Oaks Elementary.
Kaylee Camp
4th Grade • Sorgho Elementary School
Kaylee Camp shows kindness every single day through her actions and her attitude. She is always willing to help her classmates when someone needs a partner, support with classwork, or simply a friendly smile. Kaylee also takes time to mentor younger students during activities like Running Club, encouraging them and helping them feel confident and supported.
Kaylee is quick to step up when teachers or staff need assistance and is often one of the first students to volunteer. Her positivity is contagious. She is always smiling, greeting others, and making people feel welcome and valued.
Kaylee leads by example in everything she does. She consistently does the right thing, even when no one is watching, and her classmates look up to her because of it. Academically, she works hard and always strives to do her best. Responsible, respectful, and dependable, Kaylee brings kindness, leadership, and integrity into every space she enters at Sorgho Elementary.
Yair Alejandro Leiva Jimenez
4th Grade • Burns Elementary School
Yair Alejandro Leiva Jimenez brings kindness into every space he enters. He arrives at school each day with a smile and goes out of his way to help others feel happy, included, and supported. Yair is thoughtful in his words, gentle in his actions, and always willing to lend a hand without seeking recognition.
As a multilingual learner, Yair often helps peers making sure everyone feels confident and understood. For multiple years Yair has helped during the Burns multicultural fair, showing pride while sharing traditions and helping classmates learn more about one another.
Yair consistently greets others, checks in on how their day is going, and leads with sincerity. His kindness is genuine, and his heart is as big as his smile, and his actions reflect what it truly means to be a Burns Bobcat.
Hanna Fulkerson
4th Grade • Audubon Elementary School
Hanna Fulkerson’s kindness is thoughtful, intentional, and heartfelt. She is always thinking of others, from checking in on teachers each morning to surprising friends with small, meaningful gifts like handmade bracelets or themed playing cards she knows they will love. Hanna gives her full attention and care to those around her, no matter who they are.
She is a loyal friend and a strong advocate for others. Mrs. Phillips shared, that Hanna will share when she notices someone having a hard day, she speaks up and asks for help, making sure no one is overlooked. Hanna’s empathy shines through in the way she looks out for classmates, often standing up for those who need encouragement or support.
Hanna treats everyone with respect and kindness, creating a classroom environment where others feel safe, valued, and included. Her genuine concern for others and willingness to use her voice to help make Audubon Elementary a warmer, more compassionate place for everyone.
Elijah Andrini
1st Grade • Highland Elementary School
Elijah Andrini shows kindness through his actions, his attitude, and his willingness to help others. He treats classmates with respect and care, helping create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. Elijah often offers assistance to his tablemates without being asked, simply because he notices when someone needs help.
His compassion and initiative stand out, especially at such a young age. Elijah approaches others with positivity and patience, setting a wonderful example for his peers. Through his everyday choices, he shows that kindness is about paying attention and choosing to care.
Elijah’s thoughtful actions make a meaningful difference in his classroom and remind us that leadership and kindness can begin at any age.
Marlee Groves
3rd grade • Meadow Lands Elementary School
Marlee Groves has a remarkable gift for noticing others and responding with kindness. She is often seen congratulating staff on personal milestones, helping classmates, and caring for her siblings with patience and love during car rider line.
Marlee’s kindness shows up in meaningful moments like leaving a thoughtful note on a teacher’s desk, encouraging adults after a presentation, and quietly supporting staff and classmates on even the most difficult days. When the school community experienced loss, Marlee and her friends prayed for their principals, offering comfort beyond her years.
These small but powerful acts create lasting impact. Marlee’s empathy, leadership, and genuine care for others make Meadow Lands Elementary a kinder place because she is part of it.
Marlee’s small acts of kindness make a big difference every day.
Rylee Brzezinski
5th Grade • East View Elementary School
Rylee Brzezinski is a shining example of kindness in action. As a member of the School Safety Patrol, she welcomes students each day by opening car doors, offering hugs or high-fives, and sending everyone off with a smile. Her positive energy sets the tone for the entire school day.
Rylee is consistently polite and respectful, greeting adults and peers alike with warmth and kindness. She is a natural leader who looks for ways to help others feel safe, happy, and included. Her constant smile and joyful spirit make her a joy to be around.
Through her everyday actions, Rylee shows that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be genuine. Her care for others helps make East View Elementary a welcoming place for all.
Jenna Faulkner
8th Grade • Daviess County Middle School
Jenna Faulkner consistently demonstrates kindness through her words, actions, and the way she treats everyone around her. She greets others with a warm smile, maintains a calm and positive presence, and makes people feel comfortable and respected. Jenna is friendly, polite, and intentional about lifting others up rather than criticizing.
She is always willing to help classmates with schoolwork or offer quiet support when someone is struggling. Jenna regularly checks in on her peers, asking how they are doing and listening with patience and understanding. She goes out of her way to recognize the accomplishments and positive behaviors of others, offering encouragement and praise.
Jenna also leads with integrity, doing the right thing even when no one is watching. She gives 110 % in everything she does and shows confidence and grace in how she carries herself. Through her empathy, consistency, and genuine care for others, Jenna sets a powerful example of what kindness looks like in action.
MolliAnn Stallings
5th Grade • West Louisville Elementary School
MolliAnn Stallings makes everyone feel seen and included. She is always willing to work with anyone and brings a positive attitude into every situation. When she notices someone being left out, she immediately invites them to join.
MolliAnn is authentic and confident, staying true to herself while treating others with kindness and respect. Her genuine nature helps create an environment where classmates feel comfortable being themselves.
Through inclusiveness and sincerity, MolliAnn shows that kindness starts with noticing others and making space for everyone to belong.
Daniel Kwok
12th Grade • Daviess County High School
Daniel Kwok’s kindness is found in the small, consistent moments that often matter most. Over his four years at Daviess County High School, Daniel has built a reputation for being genuinely respectful, thoughtful, and gracious toward both classmates and teachers. He communicates with care, always remembering a “please,” a “thank you,” and a kind word… even when sending an email.
Daniel’s gratitude and humility stand out. When he was recently invited to move from general dual credit into the Early College program (a reflection of the many college credits he earned through Life Science Academy, AP courses, and dual credit classes) his response was simple and sincere: heartfelt thanks to the educators who supported him along the way.
Beyond academics, Daniel has served on the leadership team for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he continues to model integrity and kindness through service. Daniel reminds us that kindness doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. His steady character, respect for others, and genuine appreciation leave a lasting impact on his school community.
Maddox Murphy
4th Grade • Whitesville Elementary School
Kindness at Whitesville Elementary is often shown in quiet, meaningful moments, and Maddox Murphy models that kind of everyday leadership. One example shared by staff highlights Maddox welcoming a classmate into his group after that student had been told “no” by several others. Without hesitation, Maddox chose inclusion and helped create a more supportive classroom environment.
Maddox consistently shows dependability and integrity through his actions. He looks for appropriate ways to help classmates who need extra support, offering patience, encouragement, and understanding. Teachers note that he takes ownership of his actions and treats others with empathy and fairness.
Maddox has a heart for helping those whose voices may not always be heard. Through his thoughtful choices and willingness to stand up for others, he makes a meaningful difference in the Whitesville Elementary school community and serves as a strong example of kindness in action.
Adele White
4th Grade • Deer Park Elementary School
Adele White is a shining example of kindness at Deep Park Elementary. She consistently treats everyone around her with respect and makes a genuine effort to include others, helping ensure that no one feels left out. With her bright smile and positive attitude, Adele brings warmth to the classroom each day.
Adele is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether a classmate needs support with schoolwork or simply a little encouragement. Her caring nature and thoughtful actions make her a wonderful role model for her peers. One nomination from a fellow student shared it best, saying Adele “is friendly and always includes others!”
Adele’s kindness extends beyond the classroom as well. She is a caring and supportive sister who shows responsibility and compassion in her relationships with both her younger and older sisters. Through everyday moments of inclusion, encouragement, and genuine care, Adele helps make Deep Park a stronger, kinder school community.
Lay De Yar Paw “Lydia”
7th Grade • College View Middle School
Lay De Yar Paw leads with kindness, courage, and a true sense of empathy. She is always ready to help her peers, offering support, encouragement, and friendship without hesitation. When a new student arrived at College View Middle School knowing no one, Lay De Yar noticed, and quietly asked to move seats so the student wouldn’t have to sit alone. It was a simple act that made a tremendous difference.
Lay De Yar consistently looks out for others and speaks up when kindness is needed. She models a positive, can-do attitude and sets an example of leadership through her actions. As a Multilingual Learner, she is proud of her heritage and embraces opportunities to share it with others, including participating in the school’s multicultural festival by introducing classmates to a game from her culture.
Her positivity is felt in every classroom she enters. Lay De Yar treats classmates, teachers, and staff with the same respect and care she hopes to receive herself. Through her compassion, leadership, and joy, she shows what it truly means to build a welcoming school community.
Easton Bickett
4th Grade • Country Heights Elementary School
Kindness shows up in many ways at Country Heights Elementary School, and for Easton Bickett, it shows up every single day, often through his warm smile and the genuine hugs he so freely gives. Easton doesn’t look for recognition, and he doesn’t wait to be asked. He simply notices. He notices when a classmate needs help, when someone feels left out, or when a kind word could make a hard day a little brighter.
Easton greets his teachers each morning and consistently earns Golden Paws reflecting his respect and leadership throughout the school day. He is a steady presence who leads by example, offering kindness in both big and small ways. But what truly makes Easton’s kindness so special is its consistency. It’s not something he turns on, kindness is who he is and his small acts of kindness have ripple effects that helps make Country Heights Elementary a place where all students feel welcomed and valued every day.
Sterling Smith
12th Grade • Heritage Park High School
Sterling Smith, a senior at Heritage Park High School, is our Be Kind Student of the Year, and she truly embodies the spirit of this recognition. Sterling is a ray of sunshine in our school community, always smiling and showing kindness to both students and staff. Her warm personality and positive attitude make a difference in the lives of those around her every day.
Sterling’s kindness is matched by her commitment to her education. She is an outstanding student who takes her academics seriously and consistently works hard to do her best. Since joining Heritage Park during her 10th-grade year, Sterling has become a valued part of our school family.
Those who know Sterling also admire her strength. She has faced challenges and obstacles at a young age, yet she continues to persevere with grace, determination, and resilience. We are proud of the young woman she has become, grateful to have her at Heritage Park, and excited to see all the great things her future holds.
Makayla Dawson
8th Grade • Burns Middle School
Makayla Dawson is the kind of student who makes a school feel like home. She embodies what it means to be kind, responsible, and respectful each and every day. Makayla is warm, welcoming, and empathetic, showing genuine respect to everyone she meets, including faculty, staff, and peers.
What makes Makayla stand out is that her kindness is simply part of who she is. Teachers’ past and present, along with her family, describe her as one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people they know. In the classroom, she is quick to include others, especially during group work, and she goes out of her way to help new students feel comfortable and valued. She always has a compliment ready and a kind word to share.
Makayla also leads with integrity. Adults and students have seen her stand up for peers when others are speaking negatively, reminding classmates that differences are okay and that we should still care for one another, even when we disagree. In her own words, “I love to have fun every day and make my friends happy.” Makayla truly makes Burns Middle School a kinder place.
Lily Manasco
4th Grade • Tamarack Elementary School
Lily Manasco is a quiet leader whose kindness speaks through her actions. She has a steady, thoughtful way of showing up in the world, and she makes people feel cared for simply by noticing what they need. Lily is quick to help a classmate with an assignment, offer encouragement, or share what she has, even something as simple as her own crayons.
For multiple years, Lily has asked for school supplies instead of birthday gifts so she can donate them to students and teachers at Tamarack Elementary. She does this unprompted, simply because she wants others to have what they need to succeed. Lily also volunteers through the Kindness Club, serving at an animal shelter and an assisted living center, showing compassion across generations and in every setting.
From everyday classroom moments to meaningful acts of service beyond school, Lily goes the extra mile to lift others up. Her kindness is genuine, her character is exceptional, and her presence makes Tamarack Elementary a brighter place.
Eh Skiter
10th Grade • Apollo High School
Kindness is not something Eh Skiter turns on for special moments but it is part of who she is every single day. Eh consistently looks for ways to lift others up, whether that means welcoming new students, helping classmates work through difficult assignments, or quietly stepping in to support someone who is having a hard moment. She treats everyone with respect, genuine care, and warmth, making those around her feel seen and valued.
Eh’s kindness is matched by her commitment to her school community. She is deeply involved in academics and extracurriculars, including the Life Science Academy, AP coursework, Academic Team, Student Council, Red Cross Club, Varsity Tennis, Student Y, and International Club. Despite her busy schedule, she remains approachable, positive, and encouraging.
Those who know Eh often describe her as a bright spot in their day. Her smile is contagious, her attitude is uplifting, and her actions consistently remind others that small, everyday kindness can make a meaningful difference. Eh leads by example, creating a school environment where belonging and compassion thrive.