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At Mount Vernon, kindness isn’t just an ideal—it’s a practice woven into the fabric of our culture. Aligned with Target 4, Culture and Connection, of our Strategic Plan, which calls us to cultivate an inclusive and regenerative school culture, a month-long kindness initiative has been sparked in honor of World Kindness Day. Spearheaded by Middle School counselors Ms. Abernathy and Mr. Hulett, this celebration showcases the transformative power of kindness through personal connections, service projects, and creative expression.

The Power of Personalized Connections

Eighth-grade Spanish teacher Señor Freeman embodies the heart of this initiative. Known for crafting individualized handshakes with each of his students, his gestures go far beyond simple greetings. They are rooted in respect, understanding, and a celebration of individuality—offering each student a tangible sense of belonging and trust.

His commitment extends beyond the classroom. Through Bright in His Fame Inc., a nonprofit he founded, Señor Freeman supports schools in Colombia with much-needed supplies and extracurricular equipment. His global outreach reflects Mount Vernon’s vision of preparing students to be globally competitive and engaged citizen leaders. As Head of Grade 8, Mr. Leflar notes, “Mr. Freeman is a brilliant and generous human, inspiring both students and colleagues.”

Kindness in Action: Across Campuses and Beyond

The spirit of kindness is alive throughout Mount Vernon.

  • In the Upper School, Outreach Prefect Clara Gregson’s Operation Shoebox has rallied students to send care packages and letters to troops overseas, further underscoring that acts of kindness have no boundaries.
  • Middle School students embraced creativity by spelling out “kindness” through acts of friendship and support captured in candid moments.
  • Starting with Carpool Buddies which grew out of the Grade 5 Leadership IBL, Students are continuing to build kindness in the Friday Kindness Club. The club works to find and create opportunities for service on campus.

Fifth-grader Amber Cummings exemplifies how even the youngest in our community can lead the way. Since kindergarten, Amber has run an annual toy drive supporting Right Side Up, a local organization helping mothers in recovery. Her efforts earned her the Volunteer of the Year Award this year. “Every year, it feels even better to help other kids,” Amber shares. “I hope to keep this going and make it bigger every year.”

A Ripple Effect of Compassion

From personalized handshakes to global outreach, these initiatives are shaping an inclusive and regenerative school culture, inspiring Mount Vernon students to see themselves as changemakers. As the month progresses, the momentum continues, with each act of service reinforcing the power of empathy and connection.

Amber’s words capture the essence of this movement: “Together, we are spreading kindness and making the world a better place.” At Mount Vernon, cultivating kindness isn’t just a month-long focus—it’s a cornerstone of our mission to empower students to lead lives of meaning and impact.

Let’s all take Amber’s advice: How can you bring kindness to your community today?

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