The social climate of a school can affect a student’s self-esteem, academic performance, and overall sense of well-being. Elementary students are well aware of this, especially as they get older and begin navigating the social waters of friendship and peer groups. All students, regardless of who they are, have experienced teasing, social isolation, or conflict at one time or another.

While these socially difficult times are common, they don’t have to be considered normal. That’s why Vincent Elementary students Kynnedi Mitchell, Makayla Smith, and Chloe Carroll decided that they wanted to do something to counteract the common teasing and drama that goes on in school.

All three girls are 5th students in Mrs. Raley’s class. Together, the girls came up with a plan to spread positive messages to their fellow students by making posters to put up throughout the school. With the support and approval of Vincent Elementary School’s principal, Dr. Tonya Borden-Hudson, the girls created or discovered positive quotes, created posters, and hung them in the bathrooms of the schools where students would see them.

The girls feel great about leaving a legacy at Vincent Elementary. They hope that the words of encouragement that they’ve left behind will inspire and comfort students for years to come.