Being nice | Community Spirit

By Lydia Angell ’14 STAFF WRITER
From The East Vision

Will Thoms first brought the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s “be nice.” cam­paign to the administration’s attention last spring.

“I thought it would enhance the school’s climate and engage the community,” Weigel said.

But he didn’t push it forward. Students did.

In August a group of 50 students met to learn what the program was and to begin brainstorming how to implement it here.

The goal is to reach its message of kindness and tolerance to four key groups: high school students, middle school students, elementary school stu­dents, and community members.

“You see in the hallways intimidation and some hazing, but it’s always out of view of the teachers,” said Hana Christoffersen ‘14.

One unique feature of “be nice.” is that it is 100 percent student lead. The key to the program will be students building rela­tionships with other students.

“[The program] reminds people that we have bullies and problems in the school that need to be taken care of, and it’s a good way for our school to come togeather and stand up against bully­ing,” said Morgan Roberts ‘14.

Some ideas already being set into motion by high school students are a “be nice.” themed football game, upper­classmen going to middle school “mix it up” lunches, high school students...

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