SeDoMoCha recognizes student kindness, empathy

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The SeDoMoCha School hosted a special assembly on Feb. 27 to recognize students in kindergarten through grade 8 who demonstrate empathy and kindness as this month’s Student in the Spotlight honorees.

A student from each grade was selected by teachers, along with another chosen by the kindergarten through grade 4 unified arts team and one selected by the grade 5-8 UA teachers. 

Teachers shared remarks about their students before calling them to the podium to receive a certificate, gift certificate to the school store and round of applause from an audience filled with students, staff and proud family members.

Honorees are kindergartener: Grayson Northup, first grader Saylor McKenney, second grader Lainey Tewhey, third grader King Carson, fourth grader Cooper London, elementary unified arts Gwen Mitchell,  fifth grader Alli Boles, sixth grader Hayden Jones, seventh grader Ariah Johnson, eighth grader Malakai Lubitz and middle school unified arts Maddox White.

Families received notice of the event, but were asked to keep the recognition a surprise — making for a heartwarming and joyful reactions and well-deserved celebration. Each teachers’ heartfelt words described the ways students demonstrate kindness and empathy.

The event concluded with enthusiastic applause and smiles all around as the school community celebrated.

SeDoMoCha recognizes students throughout the school year for demonstrating Habits of the Mind.

Kindergarten teacher Kelsy Bailey shared, “Our kindergarten team is proud to celebrate a student who truly shines with kindness and empathy in all that he does! Each day, he uses thoughtful words, listens carefully to others and helps make our classroom a warm and welcoming place for everyone. If he notices a classmate playing alone, he doesn’t hesitate to walk over and invite them to join him. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone feels included and valued. We are so lucky to have such a caring and compassionate friend in our classroom!”

Grade 1 teacher Nicole Killam shared, “When the first grade team began discussing this month’s Student in the Spotlight, one name immediately came to mind. This student leads by example in all SOAR areas and is a wonderful role model to her peers. She is truly a bright light in our classroom. She holds herself accountable, consistently shows respect to both her classmates and teachers and approaches each day with a positive attitude. This student is kind, caring, and as sweet as they come. She is encouraging, cooperative and respectful — qualities that help her stand out as a natural leader at SeDoMoCha. She already demonstrates a strong understanding of others’ feelings and genuinely cares about being a kind friend to everyone. She listens carefully when others speak, shows patience, and has a caring heart. Her positive attitude helps create a warm and welcoming classroom environment where everyone feels safe and loved. Her empathy and kindness will undoubtedly guide her throughout her life as she continues caring for others and acting with compassion. She truly helps make our classroom a happy place to be.”

Grade 2 teacher Erica Tapley shared, “In our class when we started talking about the one word challenge, we thought about words that we want to stand for; words that we want others to think of when they hear our name. This student’s one word was kind and she truly embodies kindness and empathy even when no one is watching. This student is cooperative and a leader who listens to understand when others speak. She is a partner who includes and is attentive. During math class when she and a classmate were comparing work she very kindly showed how she got her answer in order to help that peer see her mistake on her own. We wish all students could be this kind of partner! She naturally anticipates a need and jumps in to help without being asked. She shows care for all in our school community and is a role model for our classmates. We are so lucky to have her here at SeDoMoCha.”

Grade 3 teacher Cynthia Richards shared, “Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, perspectives and emotions of another person — ‘putting yourself in their shoes.’ Kindness is defined as being friendly, generous and considerate through your actions and words. While empathy is an internal emotional connection, kindness is the outward expression of care. When I think of kindness and empathy, this particular student instantly comes to mind. True to the definition of kindness, this student is friendly, generous and considerate through his actions and words. He comes in every morning with a smile, and is quick to greet me with a ‘Good morning, Mrs. Richard!’ He ends his day the way it begins, with a wave and a ‘bye!’ He is always willing to lend a helping hand to students and staff alike. He is thoughtful and kind, and always looks for a way to make someone’s day better. He  demonstrates and promotes acceptance of others within our school community and beyond and truly shows others that he cares.”

Grade 4 teacher Karen Trubic shared, “I have the honor of recognizing a student who truly demonstrates outstanding kindness and empathy toward others. This student consistently shows empathy and kindness, both in our classroom and throughout the school. He notices when someone is having a tough day and makes a genuine effort to help — whether that’s offering a smile, encouraging words or simply being a steady and positive presence. His kindness isn’t loud or showy; it’s thoughtful and sincere. In our classroom, this student treats others with respect, listens when classmates share their ideas, and works to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and valued. He understands that being a great student isn’t just about academics — it’s about how we treat one another. We are proud of the way you lead with empathy and kindness. You make our classroom and our school a better place every single day.

Grade 5 teacher Heidi Hall shared, “When the fifth grade team met to discuss which student to recognize for kindness and empathy, we had an easy choice. Having empathy for others is not always easy for kids. The student we chose to recognize is kind, caring and compassionate. If she sees that someone has no one to play with, she invites them to join. If someone was sitting alone at lunch, she wouldn’t think twice about moving to sit with them. I remember a time when I said I had to leave a couple minutes early for an appointment. She was immediately concerned and said ‘oh no, are you okay?’ She truly cares for the well being of others. We are so thankful we get to spend our days with such a kind girl.”

Grade 6 teacher Alexis Dumont shared, “Middle school is a time that can be very challenging and isolating for students. Students really start to develop their individuality and to notice others’ differences. So many middle school students can become very egocentric during this time, so focused on finding comfort and familiarity for themselves. To be able to demonstrate empathy and kindness during such a time of transition can be incredibly challenging. It is hard to understand the feelings of someone else when you’re often just trying to understand your own rapidly changing sense of self. The student we have chosen to celebrate demonstrates a maturity beyond his age. He has a developed sense of self, of right and wrong and uses his strong moral compass to make all members of our school community feel seen. I have witnessed him sacrifice his own wants many mornings in order to make our homeroom a place where another peer can find safety and comfort in his friendship. Oftentimes, these sacrifices can test this student’s patience, but he never wavers in his kindness, friendship and acceptance. This student is dedicated to his studies, his musical development and his athletic teams. Despite a lot of pressure and demands on his time, he always finds a way to make time for others. We have no doubt that with this student in our SeDoMoCha community, our school is a kinder, compassionate, more inclusive place.”

Grade 7 teacher Theresa Makowski shared, “We are celebrating kindness and empathy — two qualities that make our school stronger, safer and brighter. We get to recognize someone who doesn’t just understand those words … She lives these qualities. This student consistently shows us what it means to care about others. She walks into school each day with a smile on her face — not just any smile, but one that genuinely makes the people around her feel seen and valued. That kind of positivity is powerful. She offers encouraging words when someone is having a tough day. She notices when a classmate or teacher needs help and is often the very first person to lend a hand — not for recognition, not for attention, but simply because she cares. Her kindness is natural. It’s genuine. And, it’s contagious. Empathy means trying to understand how someone else feels and responding with compassion. She does this beautifully. She listens. She includes others. She lifts people up. Quite simply, she brings sunshine into our school environment. And that kind of light spreads. We are so proud to recognize her today, not just for what she achieves, but for who she is — a role model of kindness, empathy and heart.”

Grade 8 teacher Daniel Baker shared, “In a school filled with remarkable students, there are so many who show these qualities each and every day. But this month, one student stood out to the eighth grade team — not because he is the loudest in the room, not because he seeks attention, but because of the quiet, consistent way he chooses to treat others. Our team has watched him in the classroom and in the hallways, and what we see is simple but powerful. He holds doors without being asked. He offers to carry things when someone is struggling. He notices when others need help — and he gives it freely. Before the holidays, it was learned that he gave his last twenty dollars to someone less fortunate because, in his words, he does not like to see people struggle. That is empathy in action. That is kindness without expectation. And what makes it even more meaningful is that he chooses it every single day. This student is also one of the biggest and strongest students. As a football player, he understands strength. But what truly sets him apart is that he understands something even greater — that real strength is shown through self-control, compassion and lifting others up. It would be easy to misuse strength. He never does. We celebrate him not just for what he does, but for who he is. He reminds us all — students, staff and families — that kindness is powerful, empathy is courageous, and true leadership begins with the way we treat one another.”

Elementary art teacher Theresa Sneed shared, “Kindness is one of the most important virtues that a student can develop. Kindness takes you out of yourself and focuses you on others. When you give kindness, wonderful things happen. Through simple acts of kindness, like holding a door, smiling, listening, giving a compliment, being polite to strangers and showing respect to everyone regardless of their behavior, you bring others moments of happiness. Being kind improves mental and physical health. Kindness increases self-esteem, empathy and compassion and helps reduce depression and anxiety for both the giver and the receiver. Be that person, the one that through acts of kindness, helps reduce depression and anxiety in others and brings happiness. Studies show that a chemical reaction happens in your brain and gut when you are kind, it releases serotonin, a vital neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates your mood. Serotonin stabilizes emotions. It is dubbed the ‘happy chemical’ because when it is released you feel good. So, in a bad mood? Feeling down? Change your mood by being kind to others. I am privileged to witness acts of kindness everyday. And I am most happy to acknowledge one of my students in particular. I’ve seen her react to unkindness with kindness. That takes courage. Instead of lashing out, she takes the better road of kindness regardless of  the behavior of others. To be kind is to be a friend no matter what comes.”

Middle School Guidance Counselor Jeannine Reece shared, “A habit is a routine or behavior that you do automatically, without even thinking about it. Everyone in this room has developed some good habits like brushing your teeth, coming to school every day or sitting with the same friends in the same spot at lunch. And well, we all have some bad habits too … like waiting until the last minute to do a project, staying up too late, being on your phone too much or maybe talking during an assembly. But each one of these habits, good and bad, began with a single act. The first time you did it …. and then the second time … and the third time until it became just something you do without thinking.An English poet named John Dryden wrote ‘we first make our habits then our habits make us.’ Did you know that kindness can become a habit? It can become second nature ….it can become who you are. But it all starts with the first act of kindness. I want to celebrate a student who has made kindness a habit in our guidance class. These are some of his habits:

If I ask the students to find a partner, he will seek out a kiddo who gets left out by others. 

If students come in late, he leaves a seat open next to him for them to sit down or gets them a chair.

If we are building connections in our classroom, he always finds a way to connect with students who may struggle to speak.”

Assistant Principal Davan Walker recognized one student with perfect attendance, chosen at random, from each grade for having perfect attendance throughout February. She presented these students with a certificate and a prize. 

Principal Cameron Archer shared, “This month we chose to recognize Finding Humor as our category for staff in the spotlight. This month’s nominees are Mr. Manuel, Mr. Petrie, Mr. Hartford and Mrs. Nuite. Today we’re recognizing a teacher who brings something special to our school every single day — a great sense of humor. As our eighth grade math teacher, he shows us that learning doesn’t have to be serious all the time. In fact, some of the best learning happens when we’re relaxed, smiling and not afraid to try or take an educational risk. Finding humor is important. It helps us manage stress, especially when we’re facing challenging problems or tough concepts. A well-timed joke can turn frustration into determination. Laughter builds connection, creates a positive classroom environment and reminds us that mistakes are part of learning. When we can laugh, we feel more confident asking questions and taking risks. Through his humor, he teaches us more than math — he teaches us resilience, perspective and the value of not taking ourselves too seriously. Thank you for making our middle school hallways a place where we can grow, think and laugh together.”