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Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winners

Each year, the Snoqualmie Valley Kiwanis Club sponsors a Kindness Essay Contest for fifth graders across the district, encouraging students to share inspiring stories of kindness. This year, a whopping 238 students from six elementary programs participated, so Kiwanis members enjoyed reading a lot of sweet stories! Ultimately, they chose 22 inspiring stories to recognize.

Student authors described a wide range of good deeds they initiated to help others without being asked. The award-winning essays highlighted picking up after the Bomb Cyclone, raising money for cancer, helping friends with math, intervening to stop bullying, shoveling snow for a neighbor, assisting a bus driver, supporting their grandma, reporting a lost wallet found at the beach, and many more acts of kindness. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Kindness Essays winners and runners-up: 

Winners: 

  • Cascade View Elementary (CVES) – Jack Manassero, Alex Somerstein, Baylee Strasburg 
  • North Bend Elementary (NBES) – Brooklyn Burdett
  • Opstad Elementary (OES) – Indie Colonna, James Thiel
  • Parent Partnership Program (P3) – Madeline Finnegan
  • Snoqualmie Elementary (SES) – Ethan Ferro, Hannah Telyea, Melody Wang
  • Timber Ridge Elementary (TRES) – Cameron Crocket, Juliette Davidson

Runners-up: 

  • CVES – Ellie Cole, Greyson Oakley
  • NBES – Oren Goldblatt 
  • OES – Olivia Davis, Zoey Fredette, Declan Haycox
  • SES – Harper Grizzel, Riley Lentz
  • TRES – James Duxbury, Sophia Flaherty

After reading their essays to classmates and teachers, each winner received a $50 check from Kiwanis and runners-up received a new toy, in addition to award certificates!  To continue to encourage kindness throughout the year, all 5th graders received Kindness stickers – specially designed by MSHS Digital Media students for each elementary school. 

A big thank you to Kiwanis for celebrating our thoughtful young writers and encouraging kindness. We are so proud of our students for spreading kindness and empathy through their words and actions!

2025 Kindness Essay Winners Slideshow

A young woman with long brown hair is holding a certificate in a classroom setting, surrounded by colorful artwork and educational materials.
Two young boys are standing in a classroom setting, holding certificates or awards in their hands. The background includes a whiteboard, shelves, and other classroom items.
Two students, a girl and a boy, are standing in a classroom setting with various educational materials and resources visible in the background.
The image shows a smiling woman standing next to a young girl who is holding up a certificate or document in a classroom setting with a whiteboard and other educational materials visible in the background.
The image shows two women, one older and one younger, standing in a classroom setting with a whiteboard and various educational materials visible in the background.
A young person in a patterned shirt is standing on a stage holding a microphone, with a person in a gray sweater standing next to them, and various electronic equipment and a painting visible in the background.
A young woman with long dark hair is standing in front of a red curtain, holding a microphone and reading from a piece of paper.
The image shows a group of five people, including three young women and two young girls, standing in front of a red curtain backdrop and holding up certificates or awards.
A young girl in a polka dot dress and a woman in a gray sweater stand together, holding papers, in front of a red curtain backdrop.
Two individuals, an older person and a younger person, are engaged in conversation, with the younger person holding papers and the older person gesturing. The background includes a wall with a fire extinguisher sign.
A group of four people, including an older couple, a middle-aged woman, and a young woman, are standing together in what appears to be a school or community center setting, with a table and supplies visible in the background.
The image shows an older woman in a black outfit interacting with a younger person wearing a green sports jersey in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with various items and furniture visible in the background.
The image shows an elderly woman with gray hair and glasses, wearing a black top, holding a name tag in her hands and smiling at the camera. The background appears to be a cluttered room with various items and furniture visible.
A large group of students, both male and female, are gathered in a school hallway, some sitting on the floor while others stand around them. The background includes colorful posters and artwork on the walls, suggesting an educational setting.
A group of enthusiastic children gathered in a classroom, engaged in lively conversation and interaction with each other.
The image shows a group of people, including two adults and two children, standing in what appears to be a school or community center setting, with an American flag visible in the background.
A group of students, some wearing casual clothing and others in hoodies, are seated in a classroom setting with shelves and supplies visible in the background.
A group of diverse students, both boys and girls, are gathered together in what appears to be a classroom setting, engaged in a lively interaction or discussion.
A group of five women, all smiling, stand together in what appears to be a classroom or office setting, with various educational and decorative items visible in the background.
A group of people, including adults and children, are standing together in a classroom setting, with educational materials and displays visible in the background.
Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winners
Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winners
Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winners
Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winners
Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winners
Kiwanis Kindness Essay Winner