It all started last Friday afternoon, when he approached me at the end of the day. He wanted to do his speech as a senior for the Academic Celebration on"Choose Kind." He asked me for some advice and/or examples on how to best deliver his message.
My heart swelled in pride for this amazing young man, who not only read RJ Palacio's book, but who I believe chooses kind on a daily basis and is one of the most outstanding student I've had the opportunity to teach.
But this swell was minor compared to the gut punching (in a good way) I felt Sunday as I sat on stage at the Academic Celebration. I discreetly (I hope) wiped away tears as he talked about ways that he had been chosen kindness and how kindness could change the face of Western High School.
I was wowed.
Today, before the end of the day he walked into my room. He gave me a copy of the speech he wrote and gave me a hug. I told him how amazingly proud of him I was. And then there was this:
I am humbled and touched by this and it just reinforces to me the power of the "Choose Kind" message. The world needs to hear it and keep on hearing it. And I need to live it. I feel blessed for that affirmation today.
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