Young Anti-Bullying Activist From Farmington Gets National Honor

FARMINGTON, CT — A Farmington student who turned his experience with bullying into a message of hope and encouragement has received a national student leadership award.

The Lovis Foundation announced that seventh-grader Caleb Rand is a recipient of the 2026 Lovis Extraordinary Student Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate compassion, resilience, and service to others.

According to the foundation, Caleb, who attends Irving A. Robbins Middle School in Farmington, began advocating for kindness and anti-bullying awareness after experiencing bullying during elementary school.

He later wrote and published the children's book "Never Alone" in 2025, a book aimed at reminding young people that they are supported and valued.

Through school visits, community events, church appearances, television interviews and social media outreach, Caleb has shared messages focused on kindness, hope and resilience, the foundation said.

One of the moments highlighted by the organization involved a presentation Caleb gave to fourth-grade students at a local elementary school.

During the discussion, a student asked how people move forward after bullying experiences.

According to the foundation, Caleb responded with a message centered on forgiveness, hope, and choosing kindness.

In the days following the presentation, students sent letters thanking him for sharing a message that helped them feel less alone and more connected to their community, the organization said.

The foundation said Caleb is now working on a second book that encourages young people to view the qualities that make them different as strengths rather than weaknesses.

“Caleb’s willingness to share his story with honesty, courage, and compassion is creating real impact for other young people,” Rene Eisele, founder and president of The Lovis Foundation, said in a statement. “He is helping students understand that they are not alone and that kindness, hope, and forgiveness still matter.”

The Lovis Foundation, an Ohio-based nonprofit, presents annual awards to students who demonstrate empathy, resilience and service. The organization was founded in memory of Logan Brinson and operates under the motto, “Spread Joy. Hug Often. Be Kind.”

From May 27, 2025: 'Farmington Sixth-Grader Wrote The Book On Coping With Bullies'