On a gray and rainy morning, students at Summit Hill Elementary School were all sunshine for City team members on Tuesday – warming the hearts of those lucky enough to traverse the “Kindness Tunnel.”

The young Huskies lined one hallway not long after the opening bell rang, holding handmade signs and holding out their hands waiting for their invited guests. After a welcome from Interim Principal John Anderson – and escorted by a “real, live Huskie” (mascot) – Milton Police officers, firefighters, and City staff happily obliged by sharing smiles, fist bumps, and high-fives with beaming students as they passed. Mayor Peyton Jamison and Councilmember Juliette Johnson joined as well.

The brief, uplifting walk ended at the cafeteria, where the Summit Hill chorus (under the direction of Jessica Herndon) sang a pitch-perfect rendition of “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars to the Team Milton members.

The City workers then proceeded inside the cafeteria. There, they could enjoy donuts or Chick-fil-A breakfast sandwiches while walking amid tables covered with the supportive signs that students had been holding just a few minutes earlier.

The “Kindness Tunnel” has become a beloved annual tradition for Team Milton members since the first one in February 2020 (so, yes, just a few weeks before COVID-19 became a thing). It is part of Kindness Week at Summit Hill, with a different theme each day to celebrate and encourage these young people to be caring, thoughtful, and considerate to their classmates, relatives, and greater community.

We in the City are honored that these Huskies welcome us to their school as part of this big-hearted celebration. As much as we felt appreciated, we appreciate the love and support that we get from Summit Hill and elsewhere in Milton. Special thanks, too, to Counselor Ruth Bowen for organizing this event.