By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
National Do Something Nice Day is coming up on Oct. 5. The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Club at Great Bend High School is not waiting around. Three years ago, right before COVID-19 hit, student Joanna Sanchez noticed some of her friends were struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. She was looking for a way to help brighten the day for her fellow students and approached teacher Shelly Duvall about starting the club.
"She really was thinking what can we do at the school in order to make it a more positive environment for people and kind of lessen the bullying," Duvall said. "She had the idea of wanting to start a Random Acts of Kindness Club at the school. She came to me and asked if I would be willing to sponsor the club, and I said absolutely. This is year three of the club."
Being a member of the RAK Club is free, and the only requirement is being kind. The club has more than doubled in membership since the first year.
"Really the way to be part of the club is just to be kind and join in on some of the fun activities we're doing," said Duvall. "We started probably with about 80 kids the first year. It doesn't necessarily mean they have to be active every single time we do an activity, but to be a member you just have to be a kind person. This year we're actually up to 170 kids. It's the biggest number we've had so far."
Last Wednesday evening, more than 70 club members spent around 30 minutes filling out Post-It notes in the cafeteria. Messages like "Stay Kind" and "Push Through" were posted all around the school to increase positivity. In the past, coin jars were filled with pocket change in a competition to see which class could raise the most money. Those funds went to purchasing Christmas gifts for someone on the angel tree.
"Things like that, things that don't necessarily cost a lot of money to do but makes people feel good at the same time," Duvall said.
Then there are High-Five Fridays. The goal is to get more kids communicating in a positive manner, even with relative strangers.
"Sometimes we have kids that are maybe more apt to being active in school walking by somebody who maybe is a little more introverted and doesn't talk as much," said Duvall. "It was a High Five Friday, and they say, 'Hey, High Five Friday!' and they give that kid a high five. Sometimes that head raises a little bit, and they're able to walk around the hallway knowing, 'Hey, somebody noticed me today.' It's amazing how far a little high five can go for somebody like that."
Local businesses have expressed interest in the club. Marmie's, Rosencrantz-Bemis Water Well, Chris and Julie Spray, and Scott and Karen Moeder have all helped the club financially.
"I remember last year, I believe it was Marmies, they were an original RAK Business Club member, and they did donuts for their employees on a Friday to show an act of kindness within their business," Duvall said. "If anybody is interested in being a part, we'd love to have them."