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, Oct. 18 at Ellis Elementary School in Arlington, the Commission surprised 2nd grader AmariYuna Stewart and 5th grader Ali Alaparmak with a pair of premium Rangers tickets each.

Third grade teacher Ann Stovall and her homeroom class were also recognized for spreading kindness and received an ice skating party and field trip from the Parks Mall, a Kindness Zone supporter. 

Second grade teacher Nora Berry and Carmen DeArmas, who teaches 4th and 5th grade Language Arts, each received gift cards from Prince Lebanese, also a Kindness Zone supporter. 

In attendance at the event where Commission members Gloria Peña, Timi Hazle, Dr. Von Peaks and Esther Scott; District 1 City Council representative Helen Moise, Raquel; AISD Board of Trustees member Polly Walton; Deputy City Manager Gilbert Perales; and Kindness Ambassadors, Azziz Kobty with Prince Lebanese Grill. These local businesses, including the Parks Mall and Chick Fil-a, contribute gift cards and certificates to help the Commission reward students and teachers for their kind deeds.

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].