DOWNINGTOWN, PA — In an inspiring observance of World Kindness Day, Miss Pennsylvania, Page Weinstein, visited the Downingtown Area School District (DASD) to engage with elementary school students on the vital importance of kindness and self-acceptance. Her visit on November 13 aimed to imbue young minds with the values of empathy, perseverance, and respect.
During her visit, Weinstein made stops at Pickering Valley, Springton Manor, and Brandywine Wallace Elementary Schools, where she captivated students with discussions about kindness and the enduring impact of words. A particularly poignant exercise involved students drawing themselves as stick figures on paper, writing the word ‘mean,’ crumpling the paper, and then attempting to smooth it out. Weinstein used this exercise to illustrate the lasting effects of unkind words, stressing that, just like the wrinkled paper, the impact of these words cannot be fully erased.
Reflecting on her commitment to promoting kindness, Weinstein quoted Clare Pooley, saying, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” She emphasized the importance of embracing diversity, noting, “Our differences are what set us apart and make each one of us special. We can turn the narrative by learning to celebrate our differences because every person deserves to be treated with kindness and love.”
World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13, was initiated in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a global coalition of kindness organizations. The day is observed in numerous countries, including Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on promoting compassion and understanding.
Justin Brown, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for DASD, expressed his appreciation for Weinstein’s visit, stating, “We were honored to welcome Miss Pennsylvania, Page Weinstein, to DASD in celebration of World Kindness Day. Her message about the power of kindness, both towards ourselves and others, resonates deeply with our community and aligns with our commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments for our students. Miss Weinstein’s stories of perseverance and the importance of hard work inspire students to embrace empathy and resilience in their daily lives, reminding us that kindness truly starts with each of us.”
Through her interactions, Weinstein has left a lasting impression on the young students of DASD, encouraging them to practice kindness and acceptance as fundamental principles. Her visit underscored the importance of nurturing an inclusive community where differences are celebrated, fostering a future where kindness is a guiding force.
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