AHA Blog: Kindness Klub Builds on AHA’s Positive Spirit

Holy Angels students, faculty, and staff recently received this message: “The Kindness Klub will be hiding pumpkins

throughout the building today. Inside, you will find a positive quote to brighten your day. If the quote speaks to you, keep the pumpkin and the quote for yourself. If you know someone who needs the message more, you may pay it forward.”

The Kindness Klub is a new organization established this autumn by religious studies teacher AnneMarie Ryan and physical education/health teacher Erin McGee. As of this writing, they are working with a core group of motivated Angels to build on the Academy’s already positive, supportive atmosphere. McGee said she and Ryan developed the Kindness Klub concept when she spotted Ryan handwriting messages to local nuns.

Although both women are AHA alumnae, they had not met until Ryan began teaching at AHA in 2020.

“We connected over hallway greetings when I was a new teacher here,” Ryan said. “When I first started at AHA and people would ask me how it was, I would respond at first that people are nice, but I quickly rephrased that: People are kind. There is an essence of kindness here throughout the community.”

Ryan is precisely right. Kindness is so important at AHA that Angels who carry on School Sister of Notre Dame Catherine Green’s legacy of kindness regularly receive the award named for this veteran educator. S. Catherine, who was a member of the AHA Religious Studies Department from 1982 to 2014, had a ready smile, a willingness to listen, and always provided encouragement.

“Our club aligns with the SSND belief that the world can be changed through the transformation of persons and being ‘women of hope committed to bringing Jesus’ message of loved unity to the world,’” Ryan said. “The girls who joined the Kindness Klub are already leading initiatives and responsibilities.”

McGee and Ryan are inspired by their group’s members: Giulia Daly, Abby Gassib, Keira Kwiatkoski, and Camila Reynoso. After hearing the Angels’ comments, it’s easy to see why.

“It is important to be kind, because the way you treat people is how they are going to treat you,” Abby observed. “Giving someone a hug or smiling at someone makes their day.”

Keira wanted to get involved in the new group to make a difference.

“Kindness is a quality that can be often overlooked, so I joined the club hoping to inspire the students to practice and appreciate kindness more,” Keira explained. “The fact that such minimal effort with only a couple of girls can spread love and joy across the entire school makes it even more amazing. Kindness Klub is a small, simple, and yet a beautiful way to share lasting kindness with all.”

She added that the group’s goal is random, frequent acts of kindness. The members try to record who receives kindness messages so they will know if kindness is reaching every student.

Keira also shared a personal example of a time someone lifted her spirits. She was having a difficult day at ice skating practice (an activity she pursues outside of AHA), and was about to leave the rink when a girl she had never met said she was a pretty skater.

“This turned my whole day around,” Keira said. “It truly melted my heart and I will never forget this day…This girl likely went on with her day like normal, never truly knowing how much she impacted me.”

Camila recognizes that there is more to people than meets the eye.

“I believe it is important to be kind to others because you never know what someone is going through, and by simply putting a smile on your face and treating others with respect, lots can be done,” Camila says. “It can become a potent chain. Kindness can affect other people by having them feel recognized, loved, and understood. It can touch them when you never knew they really needed it, and can overall boost one another up as a community.”

Giulia envisions kindness within AHA causing a ripple effect that will benefit those outside the Academy’s halls. She pointed out that kindness can boost confidence, change negative feelings, and motivate someone to overcome fear.

“If we are consistently kind, we may help someone feel better without even trying,” Giulia said. “Smiles and laughs are the best rewards for kindness. It takes nothing to be kind, yet its results are such a valued contribution to society.”

Editor’s Note: Thank you to the kind Angel who gave me her packet of Caesar salad dressing on October 25. I don’t know your name, but I appreciate your generous spirit! ~ Ms. Crusco