The US news is flooded with chaos and sadness following yet another mass shooting. But arising from the tragedy comes an outpouring of support and kindness.
That is why a group of parents and other members of the local community in Stark County, Ohio, gathered together outside Washington High School Monday morning with banners displaying love and support to welcome students and teachers into school with positivity.
One of the signs read:
“You are amazing. You are brave. You are strong. You are enough.”
The volunteers worked through a project named “You Are Enough”, which was designed to put light into the lives of students who are trying to cope with tragedies.
The signs were bright and colourful, decorated with rainbows and hearts, and sporting messages of kindness, all put together by people local to Washington High School.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHw9pOpV_y8
Following a string of unexpected student deaths in the area, locals Michelle Churchill and Tiffany Albert wanted students to know the people around them care and that there are people they could talk to. Taking this wish and running with it, the pair decided to organize the small gathering.
It was a simple gesture but one that could make all the difference, even to just one pupil who needed to see it.
“Our community and surrounding community are experiencing so much loss and tragedy,” Churchill told Inde Online. “We need to step up. We need to let our kids know we’re listening.”
“We need to step up. We need to let our kids know we’re listening.” https://t.co/e0wk85THTX via @cantonrepdotcom
— Jes Holbrook (@JesHolbrook) February 26, 2018
And they don’t want to stop there. Volunteers are planning on making their way through every school in the district until every child knows they are important. Albert claimed the messages were there to ensure each child is aware their life is only just beginning and there is more to life than how they are feeling now.
Superintendent Richard Goodright thanked the volunteers for their display of kindness.
“People are showing their positive support to our kids. I think it means a lot,” Goodright said.
“You’ve got to do something — even if we make one kid smile or feel better,” said volunteer Theresa Morrison.
Liked this? Then you’ll love…
Stranger left napping graduate £100 after overhearing her financial worries
Teacher lets students draw ‘anything that makes them happy’ on her dress