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.

During a pep rally on Friday, Nov. 8 at South Davis Elementary School in Arlington, the Commission surprised 4th grader Lyric Jones and 5th grader Ignacio Valles with a pair of premium Rangers tickets each.

The Arlington High Drumline, the school's mascot, and Principal Debra Wall helped pump up the students for Friday's event, which was attended by Commission members Gloria Peña, Timi Hazle, Nikki Hunter and Esther Scott. District 5 Arlington City Council representative Dr. Ignacio Nuñez and Arlington Police Lt. Kyrus Branch both talked to students about the importance of kindness. 

With the help local business sponsors, including the Parks Mall, Prince Lebanese Grill and Chick Fil-a, the Commission also rewarded other South Davis Elementary students and teachers for their kind deeds.

Mrs. Sotelo and her 2nd grade class received an ice skating party certificate courtesy of The Parks Mall, one of the Community Relations Commission's kindness ambassadors. Additionally, 4th grade teacher Shelley Freeman and 5th grade teacher Waleska Bonilla each received Prince Lebanese gift cards from Prince Lebanese, another kindness ambassadors.

Click here to see more photos from the pep rally.

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].