Independence students ‘pay it forward’ - Local News - Cleveland, OH on Astini News

& Sixth graders from Independence Middle School helped out around their community Thursday. &

The students, who would normally be in class on a weekday afternoon, took part in national "Pay It Forward" day.

Groups of students did yard work for local residents and in their school's courtyard. They also decorated place mats and served lunch at the local senior center.

Students, along with the Independence Schools superintendent, handed out gift certificates, candy and water to surprised shoppers at the Rockside Plaza.

Rick Jones, of Stanek Windows, helped fund the event. He said it sends a simple message to the kids.

"Continue to show kindness and give without any expectation of getting anything in return," Stanek said.

It's a message that the students seem to understand.

"Pay it forward is like a chain reaction," said student Will Knopa. "Do one nice thing and then another person will do another nice thing for someone else and it will start a chain reaction."

Math teacher Ken Deangelis said he's never been so excited.

"To know that it's going to have a ripple effect, I mean the exponential impact we can have. We told the kids this morning they could literally change the world," Deangelis said.

Changing the world is a pretty big job, but to some in Independence, these kids are well on their way.

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