The mood in Merritt was little brighter on April 23 thanks to Merritt Central Elementary’s second annual march of kindness.

Students from kindergarten to Grade 2, led by the school’s drumming group, marched through Merritt schools in effort to spread positivity through songs, high-fives, ‘kindness coupons’ and small offerings such as bookmarks and keychains.

Education assistant Kriss Morel explained they were able to flash mob every school in the district — including their own — plus the school board office.

Kindergarten students Olivia Gobin (left) and Mya Martindale (right) lead the way. Dara Hill/Herald.

 

High fives at the school board office. Dara Hill/Herald.

According to Morel, the idea was born last year through her “goodness gorillas” group, an initiative aimed to share kindness with all.

“In the previous years I’ve run a group at Central called the ‘goodness gorillas’ — it is a group a students who like to practice random acts of kindness but not to be recognized for it,” she said.

Merritt Central Elementary’s drumming group set the beat for the 2nd annual kindness march. Dara Hill/Herald.

As for today’s festivities, Morel noted it was an overall success.

“The response from students and staff at every school in the district was so positive,” she said. “We saw lots of happiness, some tears of happiness, lots of high-fives and some of the biggest smiles — it was pretty awesome.”

Dara Hill/Herald.