Introducing Our New Student Kindness Award: Honoring Gaddiel Valderrama
Shikellamy High School | Nominated Twice by Peers Tristan Yarger and Anthony Uscanga
This year, we expanded our Kindness Awards to include something new — the Student Kindness Award.
Because kindness doesn’t begin in adulthood.
It begins in classrooms. On athletic fields. In friendships. In everyday moments when someone chooses to check in, include others, or lead by example.
We are proud to recognize Gaddiel Valderrama, a student at Shikellamy High School, as one of our inaugural Student Kindness Award winners.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that Gaddiel was nominated twice — by Tristan Yarger and Anthony Uscanga.
When multiple peers independently recognize the same student for kindness, it speaks volumes.
Leading by Example
Gaddiel is involved in football, track and field, and bocce. But what stood out most in his nominations wasn’t just his participation — it was his presence.
“He’s very outgoing and talkative, but will always check on you if you look like you’re having a bad day.”
“He has shown me how to act kind to others.”
The categories selected by his nominators included:
Helping others feel included or supported
Leading by example
Everyday kindness that adds up
Helping during a difficult time
His kindness is consistent. It’s visible. It’s felt by others.
And when kindness is recognized more than once, it’s clear that it’s not situational — it’s who someone is.
By introducing the Student Kindness Award, we are recognizing that young people are actively shaping stronger communities right now.
And Gaddiel is helping lead that example.
