photographs provided by Makinzee Boyer
In honor of the late Marty Tarmann, a longtime counselor at Normal West, two teachers have brought back the Random Acts of Kindness Club. Although the club has no official requirements or meetings, the teachers encourage students to spread kindness to one another--something that Tarmann was known for.
The Random Acts of Kindness Club has returned to spread positivity and make an impact on the community behind Normal West.
The club was originally founded by the late West guidance counselor, Marty Tarrmann, who was known for her kindness to students and staff at West.
The club honors her legacy and impact on the school through her time as a guidance counselor.
While not having meetings, the club still works continuously through the school to create an “uplifting and supportive community,” according to math department chair and softball coach April Schermann.
Schermann, along with Science teacher Abagail Primo, have worked to reintroduce the club as a tribute to the legacy of Tarrmann.
Through kindness challenges and initiatives, there have been many members who have been nominated for showcasing compassion while at West.
“I felt so honored that someone reached out to me like that and took their time to write a note to me when they could have been doing anything else,” junior Alyssa Thompson said about her nomination to the club.
The club’s efforts to lighten the school environment have already succeeded.
Through small acts of kindness, the members have realized the importance of uplifting their peers and the impact it can make on the high school experience.
“Kindness for me also goes both ways. You are able to help others but are able to feel better about yourself in a way,” junior Hayden Kuchefski said of the impact of the club.
These students work to ensure that kindness is represented in every aspect of Normal West–not just in the classroom but also in extra curricular activities.
“Doing something like cheering a teammate on or complimenting them can significantly boost team morale and strengthen bonds,” sophomore basketball player Eva Bankston added.
Their goal to bring back kindness has also brought the involvement of other students as the club continues to grow.
“By recognizing and celebrating acts of kindness, we create a ripple effect that inspires more students to be supportive and caring toward one another,” Schermann adds.
All students are welcome to join the cause and to continue to spread kindness in and outside the halls of Normal West.