Kindness is about freely and sincerely sharing our time, skills, and resources to improve the lives of others and the world. It involves genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service. The ways to show kindness are countless, ranging from a friendly smile to more significant gestures. Every act can create an endless ripple of kindness that leads to a better world.
At Owensboro Parent, we wanted to spotlight the kindness in our community. We partnered with Daviess County Public Schools and their Be Kind initiative to bring you stories of local kids being kind. There were no parameters. We simply wanted stories of kindness, no matter how big or how small.
We were overwhelmed with the submissions and can’t wait for you to read them all!
Serenity Payne
4th grade • Meadow Lands Elementary
“During a recent school performance in front of around 600 people, a student’s candle failed to ‘light up’ and that student began to become very frightened and nervous to the point of tears. Without hesitation, Serenity handed her candle to the child and took the broken one and continued singing. Her continuous acts of kindness are displayed everyday at Meadow Lands!”
– Principal, Kevin Lowe
Peyton Shepherd
5th grade • Meadow Lands Elementary
“Like most 10-year-old boys, Peyton loves to dance, have fun, and hang out with all of his friends. Recently the principal came into a reward celebration glow party dance and watched Peyton ensure that a fellow classmate was also having a great time and dancing too. His friend utilizes a wheelchair for part of his day. Peyton made sure that he was also having just as good of a time as everyone else and boogied down with him too!”
– Principal, Kevin Lowe
Tate Quinton
4th grade • Highland Elementary School
“Tate truly has a heart of gold. He is constantly thinking of his peers and going out of his way to make his classmates feel included, supported, or encouraged. His kindness is genuine and shown to all. My favorite thing about Tate is watching his kindness inspire kindness in others. Even as an adult, I’m impressed with this thoughtfulness and selflessness. He absolutely makes the world a better place.”
– School Counselor, Alison Foley
Tamarack’s Kind Club
“When it comes to showing kindness at Tamarack, I can’t just chose one student. Tamarack’s Kind Club is full of students who come together each Tuesday afternoon to serve others in various ways to not only show kindness, but to also spread joy!
These kiddos have put together welcome backpacks to give new students when they greet them on their first day, have written heartfelt cards to put with stuffed animals they give to fellow classmates who are grieving the loss of a loved one, put together the weekend food bags, have collected trash from classrooms after school to help the custodians when we’re short staffed, they’ve made patriotic pins and cards to give to Veterans, they serve as greeters during school functions, make posters to honor school employs and the list goes on and on.
Most recently, the students wanted to do more beyond our school walls, they wanted to serve others in our community. So, they made posters and asked students and staff members for donations to benefit the Animal Shelter and the Daniel Pitino Shelter.
These kids are doing little things that are making big differences, one kind act at a time!”
– 5th grade teacher, Tennille Hinton
Maddox Hall
3rd grade • Deer Park Elementary
“Maddox has been a proud Deer Park Ranger since preschool. His journey of giving began during Halloween season. Unlike many of his peers, Maddox wasn’t a fan of sweets. Instead of planning the best route to collect the most candy, Maddox came up with a different mission: trick-or-treating for canned goods to donate to his school’s upcoming food drive. He wrote notes to a few of his neighbors, explaining his goal, and promised to return in a few days to pick up any non-perishable donations they could spare. But on the day Maddox and his family planned to collect the goods, a snowstorm swept through their town. Undeterred, Maddox and his parents bundled up and braved the icy conditions to retrieve the donations. Their hard work paid off—thanks to Maddox’s efforts, his class won the school’s food drive that year.
The experience was transformative for Maddox. Helping others gave him a sense of pride and purpose, and he wanted to do more. What began as a Halloween tradition grew into a year-round mission. Maddox started selling water and snacks at garage sales and worked extra hours on his family farm to raise money. With these funds, he purchased special items for his classmates, such as board games, warm hats and gloves, and even pizza kits.
As Maddox developed a love for math, his parents found ways to incorporate learning into his acts of kindness. They helped him calculate how many items he needed to meet his goals and helped track expenses. Now Maddox goes above and beyond to collect donations for Deer Park’s food drive. His kindness doesn’t stop there—wherever he goes, Maddox looks for ways to make a difference, finding joy in helping those around him. What started as a creative alternative to Halloween candy has turned into a lifelong passion project. Maddox has learned a priceless lesson: he has the capabilities to do something big and make a difference for those around him.”
– School Counselor, Melissa Shoulta
Emily Logsdon
4th grade • Southern Oaks Elementary School
“At Southern Oaks Elementary it is our mission to celebrate the Success of Every Student as they learn, lead, and grow. We utilize the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to equip our students with the skills to be leaders throughout their lives. Empathy and kindness are at the heart of many of these habits that our Stallions exhibit each and every day.
One fourth grader stands out when we think of embracing kindness. Emily Logsdon not only embraces kindness, but she personifies it. Her kindness stands out among her peers, with classmates finding it difficult to select a specific instance of her goodness because she consistently embodies kindness in everything she does.
One classmate shared how Emily helped her with a math problem when she was struggling to understand. Teachers echo this sentiment. Mrs. Lewis described Emily as ‘kind to everyone, 24/7,’ always going out of her way to compliment others, especially those who may not receive compliments often. She also shared that she is intentional in making sure no one is left out, and her actions reflect the very essence of inclusivity.
Mrs. Ferguson shared that when she thinks of Emily she thinks of her ‘big beautiful smile’ and her ability to brighten any room, reminding her of pure sunshine. Mrs. Coleman mentioned that Emily has a remarkable ability to sense the mood of the room, knowing when someone needs a pick-me-up, a helping hand, or even a hug. Emily radiates positivity, often encouraging others to be kind just by her example.
Emily also serves the school in meaningful ways. She is a member of the Welcoming Committee, arriving early on certain days to greet Pre-School and Kindergarten students. She helps them settle in and ensures they feel welcomed and supported before the school day begins. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering positivity make her a role model for others, reinforcing the school’s mission of fostering a positive and caring environment.
Emily’s actions not only show that she is a kind individual, but also serve as an inspiration to her peers and others around her, illustrating the positive impact that even the smallest acts of kindness can have on those around us. She is truly a shining example of what it means to #BeKind and Southern Oaks is so blessed to have her as a Stallion.”
– School Counselor, Sarah Hopewell
Yazmin Dougherty
Sophomore • Heritage Park High School
“In a world where kindness sometimes feels like a scarce resource, Yazmin Dougherty, a Sophomore at Heritage Park High School, shines as a rare gem. She’s the type of person who lights up a room with her smile. Yazmin’s kindness is extraordinary, it persists despite the challenges she has faced.
Life hasn’t been easy for Yazmin. She’s had her share of hardships and struggles that could have left anyone feeling bitter or defeated. Yet, she chooses to rise above them with grace. Instead of letting her adversities harden her heart, they seem to have softened it, filling her with an empathy and understanding that touches everyone she meets.
Her classmates and teachers here at Heritage Park High School have noticed Yazmin’s unwavering support. Her kindness is not performative or fleeting; it’s genuine and consistent, rooted in her belief that everyone deserves compassion.
Teachers, too, have noticed Yazmin’s unique spirit. ‘She’s a reminder of what it means to be truly resilient,’ one teacher shared. ‘She approaches every situation with a positive attitude, not because her life is easy, but because she chooses to focus on the good.’What Yazmin teaches us all is that kindness is not about having a perfect life or waiting for the right circumstances. It’s about making the choice to be kind, even when life feels overwhelming. She reminds us that, no matter what challenges we face, we have the power to uplift others and in doing so, uplift ourselves.
Yazmin’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. She shows us that kindness is a superpower, one that can thrive even in the toughest conditions. Let’s all strive to be a little more like Yazmin: resilient, compassionate, and always ready to brighten someone’s day.”
– School Counselor, Berenice Kennedy.
Aubree Corbin
4th grade • East View Elementary School
“At the beginning of the year, Aubree chose a journal for winning a BINGO during a Back to School game. Instead of using the journal for herself, Aubree used this journal to create an English/Spanish dictionary for two classmates who are Multiple Language Learners. She sat at the same table with these students and did her work while also trying to help them understand what to do. Aubree went the extra mile to make sure these students felt included!”
– 4th grade teacher, Ben Edwards
Fredy Domingo-Mendez
5th grade • Sorgho Elementary School
“Fredy stands out for his unwavering kindness and positive impact on both the school and the community. He always goes out of his way to help students who are new to the country, making sure they feel welcome and supported. His exemplary manners, whether with adults or fellow students, create an atmosphere of respect and warmth. Even when faced with challenges, he gives his best effort in everything he does. Above all, his kindness shines through in the way he makes multilingual students feel included and valued, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and part of the school family.”
– School Counselor, Lauren Cates
Dylan Canary
5th grade • West Louisville Elementary
“Often described as an ‘old soul’ Dylan is wise beyond his years. He never meets a stranger, offers a kind smile to his classmates, and is ready and willing to always help out faculty and staff within the building. Dylan is the type of kid who makes a difference, and will continue to make a difference well into adulthood.
When asked about Dylan’s kindness toward others, his homeroom teacher Kelsey Settles said, ‘Dylan is kind to his core! He worries about the feelings of others and truly cares about their wellbeing. He is always asking how he can help others and has a servant’s heart. He is an excellent friend to everyone!’
Dylan goes out of his way to befriend new students, comfort classmates, and has even taken it upon himself to jot down student prayer requests when his peers seem frustrated or sad.
Dylan exemplifies kindness and compassion in everything he does. He goes above and beyond each and everyday to make everybody feel like somebody. Dylan is patient, he’s a great listener, he’s the type of friend who sticks close by that you can depend on.
It has been said that ‘kindness is free to give, but priceless to receive,’ with kids like Dylan Canary leading the way, towards a better future, there’s a wealth of kindness to be to be received!”
– ELA Teacher, Erinn Williams
Amelia Bryant
7th grade • College View Middle School
“Amelia is one of the most empathetic, compassionate people I’ve ever met. When someone has hurt feelings or is having a bad day, Amelia is always the first one to encourage them with a kind word or a note. She has the sweetest, kindest disposition. She always goes out of her way to make sure that others are included and that everyone feels welcome. She is always willing to share her ideas and make sure that others are heard. She’s so encouraging to her classmates and teachers. She is the kind of person who leaves every situation better than she found it. Her faith is very important to her, and she spreads the love of Jesus to everyone around her. Her light shines so brightly! I truly feel SO lucky to be her teacher and look forward to seeing her everyday. We are so fortunate to have her here at CVMS!
Amelia is kind and helpful to everyone. She is usually the last to leave the classroom helping clean up the room or helping another student put things up and helping them get to their next class. She picks up trash in the hallways and helps students who look like they may be struggling. She always says hi to everyone. Amelia is kind to teachers, students and any staff member.
Amelia is a kind hearted person who always puts God and people first. The first day she stepped into my classroom I was greeted with nothing but smiles and conversation. The second day of school she handed me a prayer written for me for a successful and smooth school year. She told me that in Bible school they had to pick a teacher to pray for and she wanted to choose me. What an impact that made on me. That a student, who did not know me, would pray for me and my school year. Beyond that, I noticed her compassion for helping others, her inclusivity to classmates, and her passion for being involved. Amelia truly loves people and wants to bring them happiness. She is a leader within our school, her church community, the basketball court, and the Girls with Grit organization. I cannot think of anyone more deserving than her.
Amelia is one of the most dependable students I have ever met. When you give her a task you know it will get done! You never meet Amelia without a smile on her face and a positive attitude! She is an active member of FCA, All A student, Chorus, NJHS, Girls with Grit, Girl’s Basketball, and Student Activities Council. She is an active member at Bridgepointe Church!”
– School Counselor, Chelsea Hoffman
Kohen Ray
2nd grade • Burns Elementary School
“Kindness holds immense power in shaping the world. Kohen Ray uses his power of kindness daily. The level of emotional intelligence and social skills in this 2nd grade Bobcat posseses is impressive. He encourages others to take initiative and become “kindness” contributors to their classroom, school, family, and community.
His acts of kindness, whether big or small, are noticed all around our building. Kohen has the kindest heart and is such a great kid! He is always smiling and shares jokes to make people laugh. Leading with polite manners, a respectful attitude, and a supportive and helpful mindset to all he encounters, is why Kohen is a prime example of kindness. He will often offer peer to peer teaching to see if he can help, without even being asked. If a student misses a day of school, he will help gather materials to help them get caught back up. He will go out of his way to ask how your day is going and if he can help in any way. Kohen is always ready to help out, at any time, for anything, every day.
He is a leader in and out of the classroom. On the soccer and baseball fields, he is always encouraging and cheering on his teammates. He ensures that others feel noticed and important. At home, his family says that he’s never met a stranger. He loves greeting and talking to everyone, including people he just met. He never misses an opportunity to entertain and make someone laugh. You can’t have a bad day when you spend it with him; he’ll leave you laughing, feeling loved, and encouraged. We’re so proud of his kind and caring attitude towards others and excited for everything that the future holds for him and the people he touches with his kind heart.
It is vital that we use moments of kindness to help others learn how their behavior can affect others. Kohen does this so well. The impact that Kohen leaves on others helps us better shape the world we live in today. He plants seeds of kindness in the hearts of all. We are so fortunate to experience his kindness at BES!”
– School Counselor, Kelli Fueger
Piper Hartz
8th grade • Daviess County Middle School
“A quick Google search defines kindness as a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, rendering assistance, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward in return. Piper Hartz, an 8th grader at Daviess County Middle, fulfills all of these qualities. I have noticed Piper’s kind heart in many facets in and outside of school.
Piper always makes people feel welcome with her bright smile and never wants anyone to be alone. For example, one of our newcomer students was sitting alone during a reward activity. Piper noticed this and sat next to the girl, striking up a new friendship. Kindness. Also, as most teenagers are visiting with friends before school starts, Piper saw an opportunity to serve. She took initiative to volunteer to help special needs students get off the bus and into their classroom. Kindness. She has such a heart for these students that instead of going to Art class, or music, or PE, she also volunteers in the special needs classroom during the school day. Kindness. After getting the students to their classroom, she stops by my classroom every morning to ask if I need help with anything. She happily completes any task. When I offer her a reward, she always refuses, saying, ‘I just like to help.’ Kindness.
Additionally, she was asked to speak at a school-wide assembly. She is not someone who likes all the attention on her. Nonetheless, she faced her fear and confidently and respectfully presented to a group of Veterans at the assembly. Kindness. Furthermore, she is a member of NJHS where she volunteers at community events such as Trail of Treats and made Christmas cards for local nursing homes. Kindness. Her great compassion is not confined to the walls of DCMS.
Outside of school, she uses her free time to be a blessing to the community. She volunteers at Borrowed Hearts, which is an organization that helps foster families, where she organizes donations and whatever else they might need. Kindness. At both St. Alphonsus and St. Mary Magdalene Parish, she participates in youth activities and volunteers at church events. She will do whatever is needed: looking after kids, helping set up, etc. Kindness.
The most admirable part of the kindness that Piper shows is, as I’ve mentioned multiple times, that she does all of these things without being asked. While many teenagers are busy with their own lives, Piper seeks out ways to help others. She is observant, sees a need, and steps in. She wants no recognition. She simply wants to offer what this world desperately needs more of…Kindness.”
– Spanish Teacher, Ashley Collins
Saung Aye
7th grade • Burns Middle School
“Saung is known for her exceptional kindness and selflessness. She consistently goes out of her way to think of others, whether it’s lending a helping hand to classmates in need or simply offering a warm smile. Saung’s genuine compassion shines through in every action, inspiring everyone around her to be better and more considerate. She embodies the true spirit of empathy and generosity, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have such a remarkable individual a part of our school community.
Her teachers and other staff members recognize these attributes and celebrate her through opportunities like our BMS Student of The Month award. She has earned this recognition both of her years at BMS.
During her time at BMS she has taken heroic action that was life changing for a community member. As she was walking to school last year, she heard an elderly lady inside a house shouting, “Help me!” Saung Aye arrived at school and immediately told a trusted adult. Our SLEO, Tim Gray, contacted central dispatch, and we later learned that an elderly lady was inside that house, on the floor, and in need of medical attention. Paramedics arrived a short time later to help care for her.
Saung Aye put a BMS practice to work by seeing something and saying something. She made a potentially life-saving difference in this woman’s life! She is an advocate in her school and in her community. She is one of our many Foxes that model kindness and generosity to others and is a heart and soul leader at BMS. We are so proud to have Saung Aye as a Fox!”
– School Counselor, Faith Butler
Juniper Montgomery
Kindergarten • Tamarack Elementary School
“Juniper Montgomery, a kindhearted kindergarten student, showed incredible generosity by using her own savings to ensure her classmates could enjoy coke and popcorn. With money from her savings that her Grandpa had been keeping for her, she thoughtfully covered the cost for five other children in her class. What a selfless and caring spirit Juniper has at such a young age.”
– Teacher, Cindy Goetz
Taytum Stephens
5th grade • Country Heights Elementary School
“Country Heights would like to recognize Taytum Stephens, a fifth grade student, for his great acts of kindness at school, home, and in our community. Honesty, empathy, and responsibility are just a few of the natural kindness traits Taytum possesses. At school, he greets students in the hallways with a big smile and wave! He is a friend to everyone who crosses his path. Taytum is always eager to help and easily recognizes those who need an encouraging word. As a member of the Student Lighthouse Team, he uses his leadership skills to plan events that benefit the school and community. This past fall, Taytum participated in several outdoor school improvements, such as planting flowers and mulching the outdoor classroom. FCA and CHES Choir are honored to have Taytum as a member due to his kind heart and empathetic mindset. On school spirit days, Taytum always dresses up to celebrate and promote positive school culture.
Recently, Taytum and his family went above and beyond for his classmates by creating and filling a pencil dispenser with fun, smelly pencils. Taytum came up with the idea of using it as an incentive system, and it has quickly become a class favorite. His thoughtfulness and creativity shine through in projects like these, and his classmates have loved the added excitement it brings to their day.
Taytum is also always looking for ways to help improve our school. He enjoys tapping into his creative side by using Canva to make flyers that promote school events, fundraisers, and service projects. His enthusiasm and innovative mindset inspire others and bring fresh energy to these initiatives.
In October, Taytum joined another 5th grade class on a visit to One Park Place. His kind, polite personality made him a favorite among the elderly residents, who were delighted by his smiling face and warm demeanor. Experiences like this showcase Taytum’s genuine compassion and ability to connect with people of all ages.
Taytum’s kindness and leadership also shone during a school event when the cafeteria was short-staffed. He stepped up to help direct families and fellow students, ensuring the lines moved smoothly and everyone had a great time at CHES. His efforts made a big difference and allowed families to enjoy the event without stress or delays.
Through his volunteer work and leadership roles, he has made genuine connections, shared kindness, and brought hope to many individuals and families facing difficult times. His efforts exemplify the true spirit of community service and inspire others such as when he volunteers at Serve the Boro. Here, Taytum serves those in his neighborhood doing small acts of kindness. Not only does he have compassion for humans, but he also enjoys spending time with man’s best friend at the Daviess County Animal Shelter. Caring for animals is another random act of kindness that Taytum loves to do in his free time. Volunteering at church on the parking lot ministry and mercy ministry are two teams that he pours into. He has also traveled to Hanson, KY to visit with the veterans at the VA center. Taytum truly understands the importance of giving back, showing empathy, and loving others. It is evident that Taytum’s servant heart has made a difference, and he continues to put others first by being one amazing kind CHES HUSKY!”
– Principal, Brandy Bishop
Morgan Shook
Junior • Apollo High School
“Morgan is a shining example of kindness and leadership at Apollo High School. Always the first to lend a hand, she shows genuine care for everyone around her, even those who aren’t close friends. Morgan frequently checks in on her peers and even adults, ensuring they’re okay if they seem down. She is deeply involved in organizations like Student Council, DanceBlue, Eaglettes, and the National Honor Society, going above and beyond to support their missions. Known for her positive attitude, she takes on any task with an, “Of course,” and always carries a smile, even on tough days. Morgan stands up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, corrects negativity, and represents Apollo with pride, especially through her dedication to fundraising and community efforts. Truly, she is one of the kindest and most inspiring students at Apollo!”
– Katie Judd, Amanda Crowell, and Misty Berry
DeQuavion “DQ” Caldwell
Senior • Apollo High School
“I can’t think of anyone who embodies kindness and leadership more than DeQuavion ‘D.Q.’ Caldwell. This young man has faced more than his fair share of adversity, yet he continues to be one of the most kind-hearted and compassionate students I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
When it comes to leadership, D.Q. excels within our school community while maintaining a positive and caring outlook. He demonstrates generosity by giving his time back to Apollo as an FBLA officer, both for our school and for the region, while playing a key role as a leader on the Apollo football team. He shows respect in his interactions with peers and adults, offers encouragement by uplifting others, brings joy to those around him, and listens actively, always being fully present in every conversation. These are just a few of the many admirable traits he consistently displays.
As both an academic professional and a coach, it has been an honor to witness D.Q.’s growth and impact firsthand. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to coach him, and I have seen the profound difference he has made at our school.”
– Jackson Brett