Kindness Matters Program
a group of students and staff in kelley green kindness matters shirts smile and wave

We are #StauntonKIND

We launched the Staunton Kindness Challenge in December 2021 to strengthen a culture of kindness in our schools and community.

We celebrate students and staff as Kindness Ambassadors from October through April, promoting a culture of empathy and respect. School staff and peers nominate Kindness Ambassadors each month.

We also partner with businesses and organizations to spread kindness throughout the city.

We are thankful to have so many #StauntonKIND people in our community!

a group of students and staff in kelley green kindness matters shirts smile and wave

Meet Our Kindness Ambassadors

Micaelah Salazar
Micaelah Salazar - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

She is truly one of those people who makes our school a better place just by being herself. She is always thinking about others, whether it’s checking in on a coworker, helping when someone has a tough day, or making sure students feel supported and cared for. I have personally seen how she takes the time to notice the little things and makes people feel like they matter. Her kindness never feels forced or for recognition because it really comes naturally to her. Mrs. Salazar brings warmth, positivity, and genuine care to those around her every single day. She is the kind of person who reminds you how lucky you are to not only work at Ware, but to also work with such awesome people everyday. - Ms. Ham

andre'A Johnson
Andre'A Johnson - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Andre’a is an incredibly selfless student. She is consistently thinking of others, both peers and school staff. She greets me with a smile and a “How are you?” every single time I see her. She views all people the same, regardless of their looks, abilities, or backgrounds. She goes out of her way to make students who may be having a difficult time feel seen and included. She has a heart of gold and is one of the kindest students I’ve had the pleasure of working with. - Ms. Shipman

lulu wright
Lulu Wright - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Lulu consistently takes the initiative to make sure every classmate feels included and valued, regardless of their abilities. She is often the first to notice when someone is alone at lunch, recess, or in the classroom and goes out of her way to invite them to join her. She also encourages her classmates to include others and follow her example. Lulu's actions have helped create a classroom where students feel welcomed, supported, and like they belong. What makes her actions especially meaningful is her consistency. She does include other because she is asked to or because it is expected; she genuinely looks for opportunities to make others feel valued and a part of our classroom family. Lulu leads through kindness every day, and her example inspires her classmates to be more thoughtful, inclusive, and caring towards one another. - Ms. Jordan

paige edwards
Paige Edwards - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Ms. Edwards is new to our school this year and is teaching new courses in our CTE. I can not say enough positive things about how quickly she built meaningful relationships with our students, elevated our FCCLA club and has helped our students facilitate so many great programs at the start of this year. She has gone out of her way to inquire about her students' needs and work with them on being successful. Ms. Edwards has been such a bright sport during what has been a rough start. Specifically, my heart is overjoyed with how she was able to work with our students to get over 100 books to donate to Westwood Elementary School and is working with staff to celebrate National Be a Teacher Day with a fun guess-your-teacher challenge (using our baby pictures). - Ms. Francis

rory bryant
Rory Bryant - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Rory stays after every home volleyball game and goes through the student section and picks up trash, and cleans the bleachers. She cares about the school and this helps the custodians out. She is a wonderful citizen of the school. - Dr. Wimer

langley smith
Langley Smith - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Langley goes out of her way to make others feel welcome in our school. She supports the exceptional learners' classroom whenever she is able. Her passion to help others feel included does not go unnoticed. - Ms. Lightner

adam johnson
Adam Johnson - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Mr. Johnson is our SMS Athletic Director. He has worked really hard to have both boys and girls soccer added to the sports programs that is are offered at SMS. When we had some bumps this school year with boys soccer, he went above and beyond to support our boys soccer team and make sure they had a great season. He also has worked hard to make sure all of the fall sports programs have a successful season. - Ms. Warren

tori temple
Tori Temple - October 2026 Kindness Ambassador

Victoria “Tori” Temple consistently goes above and beyond to help both me and her classmates. She regularly notices when something needs to be done and steps in without being asked. Whether it is helping organize materials, assisting with classroom tasks, or supporting another student who needs help, Tori takes initiative every day. Her actions make a meaningful difference because they help our classroom run more smoothly and create a positive, supportive environment for everyone. What makes Tori especially deserving of recognition is her consistency and attitude. She does not help because she expects praise or a reward—she genuinely wants to make things easier for others. Tori is kind, dependable, respectful, and always willing to lend a hand. Her willingness to serve others and lead by example makes her an outstanding member of our school community. - Mr. Berry