Students show thanks for the "ripples" their loved ones caused in their lives

The eleventh graders at the Dartmouth High School tearfully hugged loved ones after awarding them a “Ripple Award,” thanking them for their kindness as a part of their English curriculum. 

The students wrote one-page essays about someone in their life who has had a positive ripple effect on them, and read it aloud for them on Friday, June 12.

Teachers Jessica Lasey, Nicole Ekholm and John Breault created this assignment. The project was inspired by their last book of the year, “A Man Named Ove.” In the book, Ove loses his wife and with her, his will to live. With actions both intentional and unintentional his neighbors give him a purpose and become his chosen family.

“Our students had a rough start and they really kind of came together as their own, as a cute little family of weirdos,” said Lassey, “I’m very proud to be their adopted parent once a day.”

The students decorated the library with their essays, photos, podcasts or slideshows honoring their loved ones. 

Each person who won a “Ripple Award” received a river rock and a paper with two quotes from the book; “People never realize how much they do for other people,” and “Like a stone dropped in water, your kindness continues to reach farther than you know.”

Teachers had tissues at each table, knowing that many of the recipients would end up in tears from hearing how their kind actions helped their students. 

Some thanked mothers, like Jaiden Hotte’s mother Debra DeMello. He reminisced on how they would go to his grandparents house, spending time together as a family. She always helps others, and this inspired him to go out of his way and help. 

Others thanked siblings, like Sierra who thanked her brother Ryder and Andilyn Purcell who thanked her sister Charlotte. Both had had bad days, and needed to feel like they weren’t alone. Their siblings showed up for them, to listen and be a shoulder to cry on. 

“Kindness doesn’t have to be big,” said Sierra, “It’s these small moments that have left a ripple.”

Braelyn Martin thanked the security guard, Tara Rose. Martin faced panic attacks and anxiety, and would go to Rose for help. Even when they lose a mutual loved one, Rose was there for Martin. Who was a scary security guard the first day of freshman year became a beloved person in her life, making her feel safe.

Some students couldn’t choose one person to thank; Noah thanked both his parents. His mom has debilitating pain, but continues to show up for him and his brother; offering meals and having a positive attitude. His biological father passed away when he was five, but his step father showed up and cared for them. 

“If you’re hearing this today, you’re either a student or invited by a student because of their appreciation for you and your kindness,” said Caleb Hodgkins.