MOSES LAKE - Members of Chief Moses Middle School's Brave Challenge aim to make a difference through small acts of kindness, and honored teachers through letters.

The students worked for three weeks writing letters to teachers, principals and security guards, thanking them for making a difference. Every teacher in the school received three to four letters in a decorated envelope. Teachers don't always get thank you letters for making a difference, so they didn't expect this big surprise.

For every presentation, four students presented to a teacher. Each student shook the teacher's hand and thanked them for making a difference. 

"I wanted to write a letter because I wanted  to make sure the teachers knew they were making a difference in students and our school," said McKay Rigby.

"When the students came in I knew my heart was going to be touched," said Lynn Monahan, a sixth-grade teacher at the middle school. "I had a rough day that day and the letters really lightened me up. I think I was even crying. I was very surprised to know how much the kids cared."  

Teacher Lani Nickell penned a poem in appreciation of the students' efforts.

"I felt overjoyed when the students gave me letters," said sixth-grade teacher David Perry. "After the presentation, I went back to my room and cried. Students who don't even know me took all this time to write me letters and present them to me."

Security guard Eugene Ransom had a big surprise during lunch. Students came up and presented letters to him to show he matters to the school.

"I cried. I have never had any students do this for me," he said. "I am new to this school, and I really appreciate all of this."

All the teachers sent emails to the Brave Challenge students.

"Thank you Brave Crew for the sweet letters and poem," wrote Staci Copley. "It is a privilege to teach, and it's a blessing when what we teachers do is appreciated."   

"I would like to say a big thank you to the students who came to my office to thank me for teaching, to the students who wrote the letters of appreciation, and to the caring adults who are working with these kids to help them spread kindness and goodness in the world around them," wrote Cindy Simmons. "You really made my day!"

Sharlene Hopkins was very happy to receive some letters, too. She even framed all the letters in her classroom.

You don't need to be in "Brave Challenge" to make a difference. A little act of kindness can go a long way.