by Kim Gasuras, Freelance | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
BUCYRUS — Ten-year-old Zayden Wireman knows the importance of being kind to others.
“When you do something kind for someone, it makes them feel good and it makes you feel good too,” said Wireman.
His classmate, Jack Horsley, may also only be 10 years old, but he knows what it’s like to feel down and be lifted up by friends.
“This is why I like to be kind to others so I can help them feel better when they are in their lows,” said Horsley.
The boys were named the Bucyrus Elementary School’s September winners of the Stoney’s Kind Kids awards.
“Zayden has shown kindness to all of his classmates and has gone out of his way to help others. I can always count on Zayden to be helpful and kind,” said his teacher, Madalyn Gahring.
Teacher Tiffany Powers touted Jack “Jackson” Horsley as someone who goes above and beyond expectations when caring for his friends.
“He embodies our ‘See Something, Say Something’ mantra in fifth grade,” said Powers. “Standing up for good helped Jack show that he is a fierce friend.”
Chris Stone announced that middle school student Autumn Alspach and high school student Madison Kent were also chosen for the September awards at their schools on Friday.
“We are beyond excited and grateful to kick off year #4 of Stoney’s Kind Kids! Thank you to the Bucyrus City Schools for giving us this opportunity to recognize students for being kind,” Stone said.
About Stoney’s Kind Kids
Stoney’s Kind Kids was created by Chuck Stone’s family after he passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2022. Chuck Stone was a loyal Bucyrus alum who served in many capacities in both the district and the community.
“Chuck was such a kind person who would give anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it,” his wife Sandy said. “He was shown kindness and caring by many Bucyrus staff and community members while he was a student, and Stoney’s Kind Kids is our family’s way of giving back to the Bucyrus City Schools while continuing Chuck’s legacy of kindness.”
The program recognizes four students each month—two from the elementary school and two from the secondary school—who display kindness toward fellow classmates, teachers, staff, volunteers, and others throughout the school year.
“We work with the social workers and teachers at each school to choose the winners each month,” said Chris Stone.
Jamie Lyons serves as the social worker for the elementary school.
“This is a wonderful, positive program. We recognize and celebrate students each month for their kindness towards others,” said Lyons.
Winners receive a $10 Subway gift card, a T-shirt, and stickers created by Miranda Stone, Chuck Stone’s granddaughter. Horsley and Wireman also received certificates for their kindness.
“That’s pretty cool,” said Horsley as Wireman nodded in agreement. “Everyone should be kind to each other.”
Sandy Stone thanked the Bucyrus City School District for partnering with her family to make Stoney’s Kind Kids a reality.
“Our goal is to encourage a culture of kindness in the schools, and that the students will take the initiative and start to spread kindness into our entire community,” Sandy said.
