Emily 's ripple starts with the LINKS program

For Emily, kindness isn't just something she talks about, it's something she practices every day.

Emily is a recipient of the Everson Guild Spirit Award, and she is already making a meaningful difference in her school community. Emily participates in the LINKS program, a peer-to-peer support program where students build friendships and provide social support to classmates with disabilities. Through this program, students help create a more inclusive school environment where everyone feels connected, supported, and valued.

Because Emily already spends so much time helping others feel included, she knew exactly what she wanted to do when she received her Pay-It-Forward Grant.

Emily chose to use her grant to purchase games, sensory tools, and interactive activities for the LINKS program. The items she selected, including sensory boards, fidget tools, strategy games, conversation cards, and even sensory floor tiles, will help create engaging activities where students can play, talk, and build friendships together.

These tools may seem simple, but they serve an important purpose. They help students connect, communicate, relax, and participate together, creating opportunities for meaningful friendships and shared experiences.

Emily's project beautifully reflects the heart of The Ev Effect: creating spaces where everyone belongs.

Because of Emily's thoughtful choices, students in the LINKS program will continue to have opportunities to connect, laugh, and support one another.

Emily is helping remind her school community that inclusion isn't just an idea, it's something we create together.