Recently, Upper St. Clair High School students celebrated Kindness Week, featuring a series of activities meticulously organized by the collaborative efforts of the No Place for Hate Club, Mrs. Tarcson, Dr. Torquato, and the student council. The initiative aimed to foster a culture of kindness and connection within the school community.
The themed days included signing the No Place for Hate pledge, expressing gratitude towards teachers, celebrating Mr. Rogers Day, and supporting breast cancer research through the sale of pink-out shirts by the cheerleading squad. To encourage participation, students who joined in and shared their photos on the Stuco Instagram were entered into a raffle. In addition to the school-wide themes, selected students had the opportunity to visit elementary schools, spreading kindness through reading and engaging in activities with younger students.
Dr.Torquato, a lead coordinator of Kindness Week, emphasized its significance: “It emphasizes kindness, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of our lives.” His dedication to kindness was evident in the considerable effort he and Mrs. Tarcson invested in creating an impactful week.
Beyond organizing events for high school students, Dr. Torquato arranged a reading of “Kindness is My Superpower” by Alicia Ortego for students at all three elementary schools. The goal of this new initiative was to “build connections between students and instill the importance of kindness at a young age.”
Ryan LaRocco, junior class vice president and one of the students selected to visit elementary schools, expressed his delight: “It was great to see the joy that the kids felt after we read them the book.” High school students not only read the book but also dressed up as the superhero from the story, working with elementary students to create their hero masks and reflect on the importance of kindness. Ryan noted, “It provided a positive perspective on life, showcasing the impact we had on these kids and their enthusiasm for learning about kindness.”
Ben Seewald, who actively participated in Kindness Week and was a raffle winner, highlighted the event’s positive impact on the Upper St. Clair community: “Kindness has a profound effect on the students, creating a strong sense of community that is contagious.”
The objective of the week was to encourage deep reflection on the importance of kindness, promote collaborative learning through project-based activities, and empower students to bring more kindness into the world creatively. Whether engaging in themed activities, organizing service projects, or simply sharing smiles in the hallways, the dedication of staff and students showcased a commitment to fostering an inclusive and caring school environment at USC. Kindness, as a cornerstone, contributes to cultivating a thriving high school atmosphere, and the fact that the Upper St. Clair School District dedicates an entire week to its emphasis underscores its commitment to excellence.