April 2026 | Vol. 36 Iss. 4
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Murray
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From baton to piano
Desert Star’s Tracy Harris Bird and her musical journey Page 18
Legislation wrap
Murray state lawmakers advance mix of policy changes Page 21
Liberty student named ‘Kindest Kid in the World’ during school’s Kindness Crusade By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com The month-long effort centered on the slogan: “Let’s make kindness our habit not just for today, but every day.”
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iberty Elementary students spent the month of February focused on a simple idea: kindness. The school’s “Kindness Crusade” included student-led weekly activities and an assembly celebrating the power of compassion, culminating in one student being named the “Kindest Kid in the World” for the day. That student was a surprised 11-yearold Zoey Jones. “I didn’t know this would be happening,” the sixth-grader said afterward. “I was filled with pure shock.” The recognition came as part of a program led by Jessie Hansen, director of the Kindest Kid in the World, who travels the world highlighting children who demonstrate exceptional kindness. Hansen, who is working toward her doctorate, is studying the power of kindness to reduce school shootings. “I started this program one-and-onehalf years ago to find the kindest kids and shine a spotlight on them to encourage other students to follow their lead,” she said. “As I analyzed the school shootings, one common thread was they all needed more kindness. At one time or another, they felt hurt and that resulted in acting out. So I want to help by starting with children right now, maybe there’s a kid who is having a hard life and needs to know they have a choice. My focus is helping these children decide who they are and know they can make a positive difference. We can get upstream of it; this program gives encouragement.”
As part of the program, Hansen writes a custom children’s book about the winners and puts their picture on it and gives not only the child the book, but also the school library so decades of children can get inspired by the student. With the support of sponsor Minky Couture, the program already has produced 40 books from kind children in 27 states, Canada and Mexico — and soon Japan, England as well as African countries. Hansen read Zoey’s custom book, describing her as a “kind leader” who notices when others need support and ensures classmates are included. “I try to help in the way, I can,” Zoey said. “I like to see people smile. I like to see people happy and laughing. For me, that’s what it’s about, to make sure the world is happier.” Hansen asked students to think about kindness in their own lives. “I want you to point to someone in this room who you know is a kind kid,” she said. “I love this. You’re all pointing at each other. Kindness matters, doesn’t it? It matters because we remember who is kind to us. It’s important because as human beings, we need to feel connected. We need to feel like we belong. We need to be included. We need kindness in our world.” Hansen learned that lesson at Centennial Junior High when her then-best friend turned on her and she felt alone and lashed out at others. “My life changed the day my principal talked to me; he became my hero,” she told students. “He changed my life through kindness.” Continued on page 9
Sixth-grader Zoey Jones, who helped Liberty Elementary’s student council lead the school’s Kindness Crusade, was recognized for her kindness and empathy by Jessie Hansen, director of the Kindest Kid in the World. (Julie Slama/City Journals)