Spring Valley Academy Students Rock Kindness

Story by Kasper Haughton Jr.

The Ohio Conference takes pride in the impact its students have on lives around the world, regardless of their age or grade level. One shining example is Jennifer Bianco’s second grade class at Spring Valley Academy in Centerville, where young hearts demonstrate that you're never too young to make a significant difference.

These students have been learning how to serve Jesus through meaningful, hands-on acts of kindness that extend far beyond the classroom. One standout effort is their “Kindness Rocks” project.

Each student recently painted a rock with an uplifting message and a QR code that links to a form where the finder can share when and where they discovered it. The aim? To spark a ripple effect of positivity and hope, and track how far their kindness travels. Since March 2025, their rocks have touched 11 states and three countries and have generated 37 responses and counting!

Their compassion has gone beyond encouragement. Through a student-led walkathon, the class raised funds to purchase 48 water filters for different communities across Africa. These filters were delivered during the high school’s mission trip to Kenya, providing life-changing access to clean water.

As the school year came to a close, the students used the stars they earned from the RAZ-Kids online reading program to make a difference. Each donated star helped provide healthy snacks, nourishing meals and clean drinking water to those in need.

Through every project, these students have learned to express Jesus’ love through action, joy and compassion. More than anything, they have demonstrated that age is no barrier to creating a real and lasting impact for Jesus.