HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. (WHAS11) – Club Day is quickly becoming a treasured tradition at G.C. Burkhead Elementary in Hardin County. It's held to reward positive behavior.
“There’s a criteria students have to meet to participate. When they do, there’s a variety of clubs,” G.C. Burkhead Elementary Assistant Principal Shannon Stewart said.
From camping to cooking, there's something for everyone. Kids can pick a different destination each month, but the Kindness Club is becoming more and more popular every time. Fourth grade teacher Sara Bollinger is the kindness queen, and club master.
"I just believe a lot of times, we're teaching our generation that it's about me, and it's not about me. It's about what you can do for others,” Bollinger said.
Every meeting is aimed at moving that mantra forward. Past sessions have already honored the bus drivers with gift bags, the custodians with stockings, and the cafeteria crew with personalized aprons.
“People that are overlooked a lot of times and definitely undervalued,” Bollinger said. “We need those people to realize that they’re supported here and that they’re cared for and that they’re loved. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.”
The club scores rave reviews from students, too.
“I like being kind to people. It just makes me happy. I want to be kind to people. I want to make a difference,” fourth grader Sienna said.
“It’s just fun to see the reactions on their faces once they get the kind and all of the love,” fifth grader Mattie Miller said.
“It always makes someone else smile, and it makes me smile, and I just like helping out people,” fifth grader Rebecca Kinsey said.
“If you sign up for Kindness Club, and you’re thinking like why did I sign up for this club like should I back out of it? No, go to Kindness Club. It is awesome,” fifth grader Lexi Bollinger said. “It makes my heart feel good.”
The latest Kindness Club kept the mission of honoring another group of unsung heroes by making banners and decorations for the office staff. Students also filled new backpacks full of treats for incoming kindergartners.
From backpacks to banners and gifts of goodies in between, there are plenty of blessings to go around and plenty of great givers behind every single one.
“We’re doing something nice. Why wouldn’t it be worth it?” Lexi Bollinger said.
They say it's better to give than to receive. It's a lesson these students have already mastered.
“There’s a quote that I love the Aesop said and it says no act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted, and I think that is so important for our children to understand,” Bollinger said. “If you have the power to change somebody’s day, why wouldn’t you do it? The kids love it.”
Bollinger runs Kindness Club with two other superstar teachers at the school. They said it's all possible thanks to a very supportive PTA and very generous students.