The Sticky Note Project

Back in February, before the Florida shooting happened...before the first walkout or walkup was organized...one thoughtful 17-year-old was already working on a special project at Lakota East High School in Ohio. Valentine's Day was right around the corner, and my daughter, Abby, came home lamenting the fact that this year would probably be like the others: she probably would not be among the peers who received flowers, cards expressing undying love or (worst of all) candy grams that were distributed to students during the school day.

I remember having great fun with candy grams as a kid...and indeed it IS fun if you are on the receiving end. But if you aren't, it just kinda stinks. Must we remind high schoolers--who already struggle with peer pressure, self-image and fierce amounts of competition in and out of the classroom--that nobody thinks they are special enough to single out? (And, no...parents don't count. Nevertheless, my husband and I DO go to great lengths to remind our kids they are valued and loved on Valentine's Day!)

But this year was different. Lakota East scheduled "random act of kindness" week right around the holiday. Instead of thinking of herself, Abby started thinking of what she could do for others who might feel discouraged or alone on Valentine's Day. When inspiration hit, she contacted her principal to ask for permission to organize and implement the Sticky Note Project. She rallied church and school friends, who enthusiastically agree to help her, and even helped supply the notes.

On February 13th, my daughter and a small group of classmates stayed after school well into the evening, hand-writing notes of encouragement to each and every one of the 2000+ students at Lakota East High School. I imagine it was a beautiful sight to see the lockers the next morning, adorned with positive messages such as, "You matter", "You are beautiful", "You are loved"...

I am proud of my daughter for many things: that she is choosing to walk with Christ; that she is a good friend; that she is a hardworking and dedicated student; that she pushes herself out of her comfort zone; that she is wise beyond her years; that she’s a science wizard and a beautiful singer... but I've never been any more proud of her than I was that day.

No, you won't see this quiet effort on the evening news. You won't hear about it in the newspapers or read about it on the internet. But God worked through the hearts of humble and willing teenage girls to make a difference for someone-or many someones-that day. And at the core of it all, I believe  this is how lasting change happens...one heart at a time. ♡