One Celebration. Growing Across the Heartland.

KINDNESS Saint Joseph

Celebrating the kindness of students in St. Joseph through essays and nominations that highlight everyday heroes.

KINDNESS Heartland

Celebrating kindness across surrounding communities, because a kinder Heartland makes a stronger tomorrow.

One Celebration. Growing Across the Heartland.

KINDNESS St. Joseph started with a simple idea: help young people recognize the everyday heroes whose compassion changes lives. Our community answered in a remarkable way. Now, that movement is growing.

Introducing KINDNESS Heartland—a wider invitation for schools, families, educators and communities across our region to celebrate kindness and put it into action.

KINDNESS St. Joseph is where this story began.

KINDNESS Heartland is how we carry it forward.

KINDNESS Saint Joseph and
KINDNESS Heartland

Every act of kindness has a story. Students in grades K–12 can celebrate someone who has inspired them through compassion, generosity, or service by sharing their story through writing or artwork. Select the appropriate form below to enter. All submissions are due November 13th.

Student Essay Contest

Grades K-2

Short essay and drawing

Grades 3-6

Short essay
Kindest Educator

Help us honor the champions of compassion! Nominate an educator who goes above and beyond to create a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for their students. Your nomination can highlight the remarkable impact of a dedicated educator!

Kindest School

Help us recognize excellence in kindness! Nominate a school that fosters a culture of compassion, inclusion, and support among its students and staff. Let’s celebrate the schools making a positive difference in their communities!

Kindness Keeper

Help us celebrate kindness! Nominate someone who truly embodies the spirit of generosity and compassion. Your nomination can shine a light on an individual who is making a meaningful difference in their community.


KINDNESS
Saint Joseph
and
KINDNESS Heartland

Every act of kindness has a story.
Students in grades K–12 can celebrate someone who has inspired them through compassion, generosity, or service by sharing their story through writing or artwork. Select the appropriate form below to enter. All submissions are due November 13th.

Student Essay Contest

Grades K-2

Short essay and drawing

Grades 3-6

Short essay
Kindest Educator

Help us honor the champions of compassion! Nominate an educator who goes above and beyond to create a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for their students. Your nomination can highlight the remarkable impact of a dedicated educator!

Kindest School

Help us recognize excellence in kindness! Nominate a school that fosters a culture of compassion, inclusion, and support among its students and staff. Let’s celebrate the schools making a positive difference in their communities!

Kindness Keeper

Help us celebrate kindness! Nominate someone who truly embodies the spirit of generosity and compassion. Your nomination can shine a light on an individual who is making a meaningful difference in their community.

ESSAY WINNERS OF 2026