Essex Tech's 'Kindness Week' Recalls Boston Marathon Bombing Legacy

DANVERS, MA — Essex Tech students celebrated more than a decade of compassion, inclusion and community service in memory of the lessons learned from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings with its annual Kindness Week programs.

The event encouraged students, staff, and the broader school community to engage in thoughtful acts of kindness, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout Essex Tech and beyond.

"Kindness Week embodies the core values we strive to instill in our students — empathy, community engagement, and cultural proficiency," Essex Tech Superintendent Heidi Riccio said. "This week is a testament to the incredible impact small acts of kindness can have in shaping a supportive and inclusive environment. I am deeply proud of our students and staff for embracing this initiative with such enthusiasm and heart."

Kindness Week was originally inspired by School Resource Officer Michael Chase of the Danvers Police Department, who started this tradition in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings.

His vision was to foster a culture of kindness and resilience, turning a moment of tragedy into a lasting legacy of hope and compassion. Since its inception, the initiative has grown into a cherished tradition at Essex Tech, Riccio said.

Students and staff participated in random acts of kindness challenges, community service projects, and creating gratitude walls reflecting the profound impact that small gestures can have in strengthening relationships and building community bonds.

Officer Chase shared his personal story from his experience at the Boston Marathon to his career in law enforcement during the keynote address, and spoke candidly about the importance of trusted adults in young people's lives, urging students to always seek guidance and support when needed.

Other programming include the Kindness Arrival celebration and the presentation of Kindness Awards to one student and one staff member, recognizing their efforts to lead with compassion. The recipients of the 2025 Kindness Awards were Taylor Emery, Landscaping and Turf Management teacher, and Ava Frallicciardi, a student whose acts of kindness exemplified leadership, empathy, and community spirit.

Cops for Kids with Cancer made a donation to support Taylor LaRoche, a student who has been battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

"We are immensely proud of the efforts displayed during Kindness Week," said Assistant Superintendent-Principal Shannon Donnelly. "Our students and staff demonstrated that kindness is not just a value we talk about but a practice that can transform lives. The creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm shown by our community this week have been truly inspiring."