Kindness has a powerful ripple effect, and our 2026 Kindest Kansas Citian Student Essay Winners have captured that beautifully. Each year, students from across the Kansas City area share heartfelt stories about someone in their life whose compassion, generosity, and everyday actions make our community a better place. From neighbors and teachers to family members and mentors, these nominees show that kindness can take many forms.
This year’s student winners reminded us that even the smallest acts can have the biggest impact. Through their thoughtful essays, they shine a light on the people who lead with empathy, lend a helping hand, and inspire others simply by caring for those around them.
We’re honored to celebrate both these incredible students and the Kindest Kansas Citians they nominated. Their stories reflect the spirit of our community and the belief that kindness truly makes Kansas City stronger. Read on to meet our 2026 student winners and the special people they chose to recognize.
Elementary School Winners
Kindergarten Winner:
Briauna G. from West Englewood Elementary
“Ms. Kat is my Kindest Kansas Citian because she likes and loves people.”
1st Grade Winner:
Kollins T. from West Englewood Elementary
“Mrs. Cook teaches me about my brain and she is sooo nice!”
2nd Grade Winner:
Vivian B. from EPIC Elementary School
“To me, Ms. Caroline is my Kindest Kansas Citian because she is always nice.”
3rd Grade Winner:
William W. from Line Creek Elementary
“To me, Mrs. Chambers is my Kindest Kansas Citian because she is nice to me and calls me compliments. She calls me a sweet cupcake and gives me hugs in the morning.”
4th Grade Winner:
Claire W. from St Agnes Catholic School
“To me, my Kindest Kansas Citian is my neighbor, Kim. She makes me feel really special. She also makes every kid on my block feel good about themselves.”
5th Grade Winner:
June from Nashua Elementary School
“Liz inspires me because she keeps going when life is hard. She uses her story to help others who feel alone. I learned that kindness is not just about giving something — it is about seeing people and caring about them.”
Middle School Winners
6th Grade Winner:
Elliot M. from The Barstow School
“Imagine meeting a person who served in the army, fosters multiple homeless dogs, and helps the less fortunate people in the community. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, prepare to be amazed by the one-and-only, Annika Aquino. Annika has made a substantial impact in her community and is one of the kindest people I have ever met.”
7th Grade Winner:
Austin H. from Discovery Middle School
“If we didn’t have a person like Brock in my neighborhood there would be no kindness in our neighborhood. That’s why Brock is the kindest Kansas Citian I know because he always helps people and is kind and never disrespectful to others in need.”
8th Grade Winner:
Evie M. from Oakhill Day School
“Mrs.Kim is someone I really look up to as a leader. I hope when I am older I will be able to do as much for my community and the animals in it as she does. She inspires me to volunteer and help wherever I can.”
High School Winners
9th Grade Winner:
Julian V. from Allen Village Charter School
“Because of his encouragement, I feel more confident in myself as a student and as an individual. Mr. White shows kindness not only through his words, but through his actions every single day, he has made a lasting difference in my life and the lives of many students and faculty.”
10th Grade Winner:
Linda L. from Fort Osage High School
“Mrs. McIntyre has had an amazing effect on me. Since I have met her I have become a better person, kinder to others, and more empathetic. I will forever thank McIntyre for that.”
12th Grade Winner:
Alyvia T. from University Academy
“Since Mr. A started working at University Academy, he’s done everything from feeding kids with funds out of his own pocket when they’re hungry to having a uniform drive for the less fortunate students.”
12th Grade Winner:
Jonathan M. from Blue Springs High School
“Together, James and Angela Ward have shown me that while it’s very important to excel in your own career, it is also just as important to give back to the community that supports you.”
Help Us Honor Them On April 17th!
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these incredible students and the people they’ve recognized at the 36th Annual Kindest Kansas Citian Awards Celebration. This heartwarming event brings our community together to honor the power of kindness and the individuals whose compassion makes Kansas City a better place to live, learn, and grow.
Celebrate with us on Friday, April 17 at Science City as we share the winning essays, recognize the students and their Kindest Kansas Citians, and enjoy an inspiring evening dedicated to kindness. It’s truly the kindest event in Kansas City, and we would love for you to be part of it.
