Kindness Counts: Madeira Beach School Awarded National Honor

MADEIRA BEACH, FL -- Kindness has its own rewards. And for students at Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 School, that reward is national recognition.

Students, parents and school staff turned out Monday, Feb. 4, as school officials accepted the grand prize for the Sandy Hook Promise organization's "Start With Hello" program.

The program, created and offered to every school in the nation by the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise, is intended to help students embrace the so-called loners -- disenfranchised students who don't have a lot of friends.

See related story: Madeira Beach School Named National Sandy Hook Promise Winner

Sandy Hook Promise was founded by parents of students at Sandy Hook Elementary School where 20 first-graders and six teachers were killed in a mass shooting on Dec. 14, 2012.

On hand for Monday's presentation was Sandy Hook Promise's co-founder and managing director, Nicole Hockley, whose son was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting.

Available to schools at no cost, "Start With Hello" empowers students to create an inclusive and connected community by reaching out to those who may be chronically isolated, marginalized or rejected.

Studies have shown that social isolation -- feelings of invisibility and worthlessness -- can be lead to violent and suicidal behavior. The "Start With Hello" program is designed to prevent students from committing violent acts against themselves or others.

Since its inception, Sandy Hook Promise has educated more than 5.5 million youths and adults in all 50 states with its Know The Signs Programs on mental health & wellness, identification of at-risk behaviors and how to take action and get help before a situation escalates.

Images via Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 School

Sandy Hook Promise co-founder Nicole Hockley speaks to Madeira Beach Fundamental School students.

Nicole Hockley poses with the Madeira Beach Fundamental School team.

Student leaders accept the "Start With Hello" award.

The school choir performs during the awards ceremony.

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