"A few students nominate this person for belonging and trust. She always makes sure everyone is included in conversations and activities, offering a seat next to her when she sees others are lonely. She supports others through challenges, helps them with math and writing, and checks on teammates when injured. She’s trustworthy and makes others feel like they belong."
"I nominate this person for empathy. She helped me figure out how to do my math plan work and she was very nice when my pencil box looked bad in applied science."
"This person shows belonging by always waving me over or saying hi when I’m unsure where to sit. They make me feel included and welcome whenever they’re around."
"This person shows belonging by reconnecting with me when I was alone on the first day of school. She made me feel like I truly belonged in homeroom and we’ve been friends ever since."
"This person shows empathy by helping me with my math homework, even though they had a lot to do. He patiently guided me step by step, and I was able to figure it out thanks to his kindness."
"This person shows belonging by always keeping me company during breaks and helping me feel included. Whether in science class or with projects in social studies, they’re always there to support me."
"This person is nominated for belonging. They’ve been my friend since 1st grade, always including me in activities and making me feel like I belong. They’re patient, help me understand jokes, and have always made me feel welcome, even when I was shy."
"This person is nominated for empathy and respect. They are kind and empathetic, always defending others and standing up for people when they’re feeling down. They show respect by supporting others and being there when someone needs help."
"This person is nominated for trust. They didn’t judge me when I shared something personal. I trust them completely, and they respect my boundaries by never making me feel uncomfortable or weird about my secret."
"This person is someone I can always trust. I’ve shared secrets with her, and she’s never told anyone. She’s a great example of trust because she respects my privacy and keeps my confidence."
"This person shows trust by always being reliable and kind. She helps others with anything they need, keeps her promises, and she always makes me laugh and smile. I can count on her to be trustworthy in any situation."
"This person shows belonging by helping me feel welcome when I first moved here. Through sharing his puddy when I forgot mine and helping me make new friends and guiding me around school, he really made me feel like I belong. He’s been a kind, supportive friend ever since."
"This person shows trust by keeping my private feelings safe. When I shared something personal and sad, she comforted me but treated me the same, showing sympathy without making me feel different."
"This person showed empathy by helping me when I had a bad day. He helped with my math homework, even though he hadn’t done it himself, putting me first. His kindness made me feel better and got me through the day."
"This person is nominated for empathy. He showed kindness by sharing his Halloween candy with me when I told them I didn't go trick-or-treating. Their thoughtful gesture made me feel cared for."
"This person is nominated for respect. When I was new to Wayland, he helped me fit into a new group of friends at lunch and classes, showing kindness and respect through small acts like sharing snacks and introducing me to others."
"This person is nominated for belonging and empathy. She is always there when others are feeling sad or tired. She offered someone a snack at lunch and showed friendship, making them feel included. When someone else was exhausted in the morning, this person offered them a drink, showing she cared about how they felt."
"This person shows trust by always keeping my secrets and never silencing me. He has been reliable in keeping things confidential, and I know I can always talk to him peacefully. He protects my secrets better than I can protect my own. He is also patient, waiting for others to finish their snack before going outside."
"This person is nominated for trust and belonging. I’ve shared things with him that I don’t tell anyone else, and I trust him to keep those things private. He also showed belonging by stepping in when I was confused, filling me in on the conversation and making me feel included."
"This person shows belonging by always including me, whether at the lunch table, in class, or outside of school. I can always rely on them to make me feel like I belong.
"This person is nominated for trust and respect. They’ve been a true friend since 5th grade. I can trust them with my secrets, and they’re dependable. They’re respectful to everyone, make jokes while still being respectful, and show kindness to all."
"This person is nominated for belonging. When I was feeling down, she came up to me and asked if I was okay. She always makes me feel like I can be myself. She listened to my worries, and made me feel understood. She creates a space where I can laugh, cry, and just be myself."
"This award is for someone who shows Belonging. The reason I nominated this person is because she always makes sure there is a smile on your face when you feel down. She is the person I would want if I ever needed someone’s help. She makes me feel like I belong here, no questions asked. We’ve been friends since 1st grade, and she’s still my friend today."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust and Belonging. One person says he's always been a kind and supportive friend, especially when I was struggling. He also always spends time with me in homeroom. Another says, he's friendly to everyone and always includes them even when he's with other friends."
"This award is for someone who shows Respect and Belonging. From day one in wellness class, this person made me feel included, even when we didn’t know many people. Though we just met this year, they have always made me feel like a close friend. This is how they show belonging."
"This award is for someone who shows Empathy and Belonging. One person says - she helps me with homework, even when they’re busy. Another says - she makes sure everyone feels like they fit in and are always kind. A third person says, in homeroom, she talks to me when I have no one else to talk to."
"This award is for someone who shows Empathy. Even when I was injured and couldn’t play, this person made sure to include me in games. They understood how hard it was for me and found ways to make me feel involved. This is how they show empathy."
"This award is for someone who shows Respect and Empathy. When I was struggling with math homework, this person took the time to help me step by step, even though they had their own work to do. They always help others when needed."
"This award is for someone who shows Empathy and Trust. When I need comfort, they truly listen and offer thoughtful advice instead of brushing it off. Even though they could share secrets to gain popularity, they never have. They always support and respect others."
"This award is for someone who shows Respect and Belonging. This person knows when to be serious and when to be silly, making them easy to connect with. They helped me catch up on math homework when I was sick and always included me in games."
"This award is for someone who shows Belonging. When I couldn’t join a basketball game, this person stood up for me and gave up their spot so I could play. They made sure I felt included and part of the game."
"Three people nominate this person for Respect and Trust. She is one of the kindest and most selfless people. She always offers small, thoughtful gestures, like a smile or homework help, just when you need it. She has never been disrespectful to anyone—kindness is simply who she is. You can trust her completely, knowing she will always keep your words confidential. On the field, she is a dedicated team player who works hard and makes sure no one feels unnoticed."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust and Belonging. This person is someone I can always rely on. I trust him with my personal stories, knowing he will never judge me. In wellness class, he made me feel included by talking to me and making sure I belonged. He is understanding, supportive, and always there when I need him."
"Multiple students nominate this person for Respect, Belonging, and Trust. This person always makes me feel heard—whenever I start to speak, they pause their conversation and turn to listen. No matter where we are—class, lunch, or anywhere else—they always find a way to include me and make me feel like I belong. I can trust her completely, knowing she will always keep my secrets and be there for me with a smile. She brightens my day and supports me no matter what."
"This award is for someone who shows Belonging. I chose her because even though I wasn’t invited, she kindly included me when she and her friends were going to Starbucks. We all ended up having a blast together. She’s always there for me and shows BERT in every way to everyone. If I could, I’d award her for all of BERT."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust. This person listens to everything I have to say and never shares it with others. She gives great advice and she always does the right thing. She makes me laugh, brings a smile to my face, and is an overall great friend."
"This award is for someone who shows Belonging. One person says she made me feel like I belonged from the very first day of school when I didn’t know where to sit. Her welcoming smile helped me decide where to sit, and I never had to worry about being left out. Another student shares that she makes sure to include new students and always ensures I’m involved in any group. In homeroom, she always talks to me and makes me feel included."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust and Belonging. One student shares that when I came back to Social Studies after being sick, this person let me work with them and made me feel like I was part of the class. Another says, I trust him because when I ask for help, he always says yes and makes sure I have everything I need, like getting my notebook during class."
"This award is for someone who shows Empathy and Respect. One person says, if someone is feeling down, she always asks what’s wrong and offers comfort, helping them feel like they belong. Another shares, I respect her for many reasons, like teaching me Russian numbers, making me laugh in class, and being an amazing friend. She respects me as both a friend and a classmate."
"This award is for someone who shows Empathy and Respect. One person shares, she has shown empathy by supporting me. When I wasn't feeling well, she offered helpful suggestions to ease the pain. Another student says, she respects my choices during fasting, understanding that it can be difficult. Even when I get cranky, she remains patient and supportive."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust. She demonstrates trust by being understanding when I vent about personal family matters, never sharing what I tell her with others. She listens without making it about her, allowing me to express myself freely while occasionally offering her own thoughts when appropriate."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust and Belonging. One person says, I trust her because she always respects my boundaries, like when I ask her to use my sketchbook carefully. She also shows belonging by making room for others, like when someone arrived late to lunch and she asked others to make space for them."
"Many students nominate this person for showing Trust and Respect. He is always kind to his friends and helps when someone is hurt. You can tell him anything and know he will keep it a secret. He respects both teachers and students, and he is a really good friend to all."
"This award is for someone who shows Belonging. She always has a smile on her face and makes others feel like they belong. She consistently demonstrates BERT, but I chose belonging because she's always there for me when I need her, making sure I feel included at lunch and ensuring we sit together in class."
"This award is for someone who shows Belonging and Trust. This person makes me feel like I belong and never judges me, whether it's talking inside school or playing outside. Their kindness shines through, even in my low moments. They always help me overcome negativity and fade away any worries."
"This award is for someone who shows Respect and Belonging. One person says, in Social Studies, we always have fun together. She’s super nice, always there when I need her, and helps me with work when I need it. Another shares, she shows respect by being kind to me and others, especially when I feel down."
"This award is for someone who shows Trust. This person has never judged me and always makes me feel comfortable sharing anything. I can trust them with anything, knowing they’ll keep it to themselves. They are always kind and supportive."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."
"Quote."