To recognize youth who are spreading kindness throughout The American Dream City, Arlington's Community Relations Commission has partnered with local businesses and launched a program that rewards students for their kind hearts.

The Commission recently attended pep rallies at Arlington ISD’s Bailey Junior High and Amos Elementary School to recognize students and teachers.

Click here to see photos from the kindness pep rallies. 

During a pep rally on Friday, Feb. 28 at Bailey Jr. High, the Commission surprised 7th graders Kate Morton and Larry Wickware and 8th graders Gaby Webb and Camila Gamboa with a pair of premium Rangers tickets each.

Mr. Leach, Ms. Haugaard, Mr. Berney and Coach Onley were recognized for their individual efforts to push students to do their best, stay positive and be kind. The teachers received gift cards to Prince Lebanese restaurant as a thank you for their efforts.

Classes by Mrs. Avaritt and Mr. Santiago were awarded with an ice skating party from the Parks Mall and Chick-Fil-A. Students were excited by a visit from the Chick-Fil-A cow mascot during the announcement.

In attendance at the event where Commission members Esther Scott, Gloria Peña, Timi Hazle, Nikkie Hunter and Mary Phillips; District 5 City Council representative Dr. Ignacio Nunez; AISD Board of Trustees member David Wilbanks, Judge Mary Tom Curnutt, Arlington Police Officer Moon; and Kindness Ambassador Jocelyn Bonalos from Chick-Fil-A. These local businesses, including the Parks Mall, Prince Lebanese and the Texas Rangers, contribute gift cards and certificates to help the Commission reward students and teachers for their kind deeds.

During a pep rally on Friday, Feb. 7 at Amos Elementary School, the Commission surprised 4th graders Dwayne Pedraza and Kassie Vazquez with a pair of premium Rangers tickets each.

Third grade teacher Melanie Gill’s class was awarded with an ice skating party from the Parks Mall and Chick-Fil-A.

Two teachers, Mrs. Sukassa Chapman and Mrs. Mary Humes, were recognized for inspiring kindness, compassion and positivity in their classrooms. The teachers were also rewarded with gift cards to Prince Lebanese restaurant. 

The Community Relations Commission has been working to promote acts of kindness among our residents, visitors and business community since Mayor Jeff Williams announced the Kindness Initiative in 2017. People are encouraged to report acts of kindness that they perform, witness or were the recipient of through the City's Ask Arlington mobile app, on the Acts of Kindness website, or by posting on social media using #ArlingtonKindness and @CityofArlington.

Click here to read more about Acts of Kindness occurring throughout The American Dream City.

The Community Relations Commission is seeking local businesses to provide rewards that can be used to recognize youth for their acts of kindness. Those who are interested in becoming a sponsor can email the commission at [email protected].