As many of you know, December is a month of intentional acts of kindness for our CEO class. Last week, we shared four group acts of kindness as we visited each school represented in our class. Last week also marked our fifth and final class act of kindness — and it was another special moment.

CEO truly feels like a family. We know about each other’s lives outside of class, and we care deeply about the people who matter to one another. Because of that, we decided to surprise our facilitator’s 96-year-old mother at her assisted living facility in Mascoutah.

At 7:30 in the morning, we arrived with a large sheet pan of brownies. A lifelong teacher, she was excited to meet each of us personally. One by one, we shook her hand, introduced ourselves, shared what school we were from, and spoke to her with compassion and respect.

What happened next perfectly captured the heart of kindness. She asked the kitchen staff to cut each brownie in half so every single resident could enjoy one. In that moment, a simple gesture turned into something much bigger.

From the students’ perspective, this wasn’t about brownies. It was about connection, empathy, and honoring someone who dedicated her life to others. From a facilitator’s perspective, it was an incredibly proud moment.

While this was our final group act of kindness, it’s not the end. Over the holiday break, each student will be completing an individual act of kindness — and we’ll be sharing those stories with you soon.

Kindness doesn’t stop. It spreads. And we’re grateful to be part of that ripple effect. ❤️