Adams Middle School Receives International Recognition As A 'Distinguished Kindness School'

GUILFORD, CT — Elisabeth C. Adams Middle School in Guilford has received international recognition as a Distinguished Kindness School from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

In December, Adams was named one of 354 schools worldwide, out of nearly six million, to earn the designation.

School officials said the recognition reflects a yearlong effort led by the student council to promote kindness across the school community.

Students organized a kindness pledge, launched awareness campaigns, surprised classmates with random acts of kindness, wrote letters of gratitude to teachers and coordinated a Thanksgiving food drive that delivered hundreds of items to the Guilford Food Pantry.

Student council member Zach Piagentini said the initiatives were designed to have a broad and lasting impact.

"It does not matter if the act is big or small, kindness still goes a long way. We have learned that kindness is contagious and should be a priority at our school," Piagentini said in an announcement on the designation.

The achievement was recognized during a schoolwide assembly on Feb. 12, which included the presentation of an official state proclamation by state Rep. Moira Rader (D-98) honoring the school’s commitment to fostering a culture of kindness.

During the assembly, students shared research highlighting how acts of kindness benefit both recipients and those who perform them, underscoring the message that small, intentional actions can have a meaningful effect.

As part of the celebration, Connecticut native Luke Schoonmaker of the Dallas Cowboys sent a signed photo to the student council with the inscription "Kindness Matters," which is displayed in the school’s main office.

The assembly also marked the launch of activities for Random Acts of Kindness Week, which took place last week, and encouraged students and staff to take part in gestures aimed at strengthening respect and compassion within the school community.

School officials said the recognition highlights how student leadership and community support have helped Adams Middle School promote positive values within the school and the broader Guilford community.