Park City Community Foundation and School District unite to celebrate kindness

PARK CITY, Utah—The Park City Community Foundation (PCCF), in partnership with the Park City School District (PCSD) and the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), has launched the “We All Belong Kindness Awards” to reinforce kindness and inclusivity in local schools.

The initiative, which will recognize students and educators for acts of kindness throughout the school year, stems from PCCF President and CEO Joel Zarrow’s vision to create a lasting cultural shift in Park City schools. “In the spring of 2024, I was listening to all the political discourse and getting worried about the tenor of conversations,” Zarrow said. “Park City needs something like the Nobel Prize for kindness.”

Instead of creating a separate initiative, Zarrow and PCCF sought to bolster PCSD’s existing “We All Belong” campaign. Working closely with district leaders, the foundation developed the Kindness Awards to support the district’s ongoing efforts while amplifying the importance of kindness and inclusivity.

Recognizing Acts of Kindness

Each of the seven PCSD schools will select one student per month to receive an award. Grade-level teachers will choose the winners based on criteria outlined in the “We All Belong” initiative. Schools will have a $1,000 yearly budget for these monthly awards, and each school’s leadership will determine recognition, such as school-branded sweatshirts. Additionally, a staff member from each school—who may be a teacher or another faculty member—will receive a $1,000 stipend for their efforts in fostering a culture of kindness.

Beyond individual school awards, a grand prize will be awarded district-wide at the end of the school year. One student will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and one educator will receive a $2,500 stipend, both chosen by district leadership.

“Our hope is that the excitement of the award in school impacts dinner table conversations at home,” Zarrow said. “We want families to talk about what it means to be kind—especially in moments of disagreement or difference.”

Caleb Fine, Interim CTE Director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of instilling kindness at an early age. “When students see that their positive actions are valued, it reinforces the idea that kindness is not just expected but celebrated,” Fine said. “It’s about creating a school culture where inclusivity and respect are second nature.”

A Broader Mission

The Kindness Awards align with PCCF’s newly developed strategic plan, which prioritizes three core pillars: community belonging, a sustainable future, and a thriving workforce. “Community belonging really is the overarching priority,” Zarrow said. “How do we foster and support a community where anyone who lives here, works here, plays or stays here feels like they belong? There’s no better place to start than with our kids in our schools.”

Fine emphasized the importance of recognizing student leadership through kindness, “Leadership often comes unexpectedly, and this award celebrates that. We look forward to the stories of kindness these efforts will inspire. Each small step has a big impact.”

The initiative is funded through PCCF’s $17,500 contribution, with PCEF facilitating the allocation of funds.

Creating a Ripple Effect

Zarrow envisions the awards generating a ripple effect across the broader Park City community. “People take kindness for granted, but we need to highlight when it is most necessary,” he said. “Hopefully, kids talking about kindness in school leads to discussions at home about what kind of community we want to build.”

Ultimately, the goal is to make kindness a practiced and intentional value in Park City. “We all know what a moment of kindness can do,” Zarrow said. “It doesn’t take a school district initiative or a community foundation. It takes a smile, a moment of generosity, a simple act. If we want to foster the kind of community culture we all want, we have to practice kindness.”

The first round of student winners will be announced in February, with educator awards and grand prizes to follow at the end of the school year.