A kindness wall is currently making a big difference in Stagg High School’s school environment. Students are encouraged to attend Social Action Club meetings and write positive messages on “bricks” that build the confidence of students who pass by.

The initial idea of the Kindness Wall came from the Club’s president Sueriya Al-Ramahi, a junior at Stagg. The wall was meant to create “a simple visual that could make people feel seen and appreciated,” she says. 

“It just felt like an easy, inclusive way for anyone to share positivity without pressure. The Kindness Wall can help build a more supportive and welcoming environment. It encourages students to be more aware of how their words affect others and reminds people that they’re not alone. Even small messages can improve someone’s day, and over time, they help encourage kindness,” Al-Ramahi added.

The empty wall across the room where the club meets is the perfect place to hold the project. The plan was to cover the wall with orange paper bricks that include hand-written affirmations. The wall replicates a brick wall, a representation of how positivity can build a community.

The wall grew quickly, thanks to the creativity of the club members and the guidance of the club’s sponsors Nitya Viswanath and Christopher Wendelin. The bricks started as simple affirmations, but soon expanded to lyrics from popular songs or quotes from famous artists. In just one semester, there were just 34 “bricks,” just shy of the goal of 100, quite an achievement considering the club has been working on the project for just three meetings.

Despite its subtle nature, the wall has made a noticeable impact on the student body by lifting the atmosphere. Now, when students pass by the hallway, warm words encourage them through stressful periods that can occur in a young person’s life, such as friendship breakups, stress of peer approval, and grade anxiety. This effect will only grow as the club continues the project through the remainder of the school year.

The Social Action Club has a new goal: complete 200 bricks by the end of the school year. They hope to do so with the help of the Stagg community. Students are welcome to submit affirmations through a Google form that can be accessed with a QR code near the wall.

Press Release written in conjunction with Elizabeth Okoye, Class of 2029