Mallory Aronne, an 8th-grader at Rumson Country Day School in Rumson, New Jersey, had a mission! She wanted to leave a legacy at her school, before graduating this May. She decided she wanted her legacy to be her kindness.
After mentioning the idea to her mother, Mallory rolled up her sleeves. She designed the mission, spoke with her head of school and service coordinator, and ironed out details until her vision became a reality. She then enlisted the help of teachers, parent coordinators, and the student council to launch her mission. These adults were so inspired by her heart that they held a special assembly for the students, which discussed spreading positivity.
Using the school’s four pillars – Kind, Honest, Responsible, Respectful – Mallory created and distributed a checklist of simple ways her schoolmates could spread kindness throughout the school over the course of a week. Several ideas included holding the door for others, saying, “thank you,” and visiting classrooms to play a special game or read a story. The week-long challenge ended with a bake sale, from which proceeds were donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s pediatric cardiac unit.
In addition to her kindness challenge, Mallory is involved in the school chorus and is excited about beginning cross-country and track in high school. She also takes vocal and keyboarding lessons outside of school, as well as kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu at a local gym. What’s more, she is presently working towards receiving her confirmation at church.
Mallory’s mission to spread kindness was not the first time she left a special mark in her school. When in 6thgrade, Mallory courageously spoke during an assembly at Rumson Country Day School’s Upper School about her struggle with anxiety. She speaks openly and honestly about mental health issues and concerns, with her friends and adults.
Mallory shared, “As children/young adults, it can be hard to find ways to make a positive change in your community. In the end, it doesn’t matter if what you did is big or small. What matters is that you made an effort to impact someone’s day, and maybe even make it a bit brighter.”
Her mother Sarah Ahmadi proudly states, “I’m doubly impressed that she had the courage and drive to see this large-scale project through.”
It is amazing to see the great impact one person can make for so many. Mallory, you certainly did this at your school, as well as inspiring us at Wear the Cape. We are incredibly proud of you for acting on your idea and for spreading kindness.
If you have an amazing kid whom you would like to nominate for Wear the Cape’s Cape Kid of the Month, please email leighann@wearthecapekids.com.
