At Lake Oconee Academy, even the youngest Titans are discovering that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
This February, Pre-K students are participating in the Hearts Around the World Project, a meaningful initiative designed to connect students with people across the United States and beyond through handwritten valentines and postcards. The class goal is both ambitious and heartfelt: to receive at least one valentine or postcard from all 50 states and as many countries as possible, while mapping each location to visualize how far their kindness can travel.
Through the project, students are not only celebrating the month of love and kindness, they are also exploring geography, culture and the joy of giving. Each new card received becomes a moment of excitement and discovery as students locate its origin on a world map.
So far, students have collected cards from 47 states and 12 countries, with some senders even including candies and small treats from around the globe. Pre-K teacher Emily Thompson says the experience is about far more than mail. “This project helps our students see that kindness can travel anywhere. They are learning about the world while also discovering that even a small, thoughtful gesture can brighten someone’s day.”
For the students, the impact is simple and sincere. One Pre-K student, Carter, shared, “I like sending hearts to people because it makes them happy.”
Moments like these reflect Lake Oconee Academy’s commitment to nurturing compassionate learners and building meaningful connections beyond the classroom. By combining hands-on learning with service and global awareness, even at the youngest level, LOA continues to create opportunities for students of every age to grow academically, socially and emotionally.