Wantagh High School is doing its part to spread kindness around the community. To mark World Kindness Day on Nov. 13, students are placing kindness rocks with personalized designs around the community.
The initiative was spearheaded by librarian Catherine Mottola. She has been inviting students to come to the library during their free periods to write inspirational messages on the rocks, then take them home and place them “somewhere within their world,” she said.
In the first week of November, more than 100 rocks were decorated. Ms. Mottola said that some students are coming up with messages on their own, while others are using notable phrases and quotes about kindness. Several students drew pictures to invoke smiles such as flowers, hearts and the sun.
“It’s really taken off,” she said. “The messages have been fantastic.”
A few rocks were placed in her “Painting it Forward” display outside of the library, which also includes books about kindness. Ms. Mottola explained that the books are geared toward readers of different ages as a reminder that kindness is important throughout life.