Diane Beffert and Nicole Warnygora

"Creative Kindness" is a project developed by Beffert and Warnygora to empower students with emotional disabilities to gain a sense of community, volunteerism, empathy, and an increased work ethic and self-esteem. Educators at Carey Junior High School hope to eliminate discriminating labels such as trouble-maker, emotionally disturbed, and juvenile delinquent and encourage students to be recognized as positive members in the community. Beffert and Warnygora believe that through implementing the following projects, behavior and perceptions will change: pillows for foster children, blankets for the Veterans Administration, neck coolers for military troops, and teddy bears for the highway patrol. Initially, six students will be involved with the hope of increasing that number to 30 students with additional funding.