Everson Guild Spirit Award Recipients

Everson Guild Middle School Spirit Award

The Everson Guild Comet PRIDE Spirit Award was created to honor the life and legacy of Everson Guild—a vibrant, kind, and determined student whose presence lit up the halls of Grand Ledge Public Schools. Everson embodied the spirit of Comet PRIDE: Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Effort. He was a friend to everyone, a champion of doing what's right, and someone who made others feel seen, included, and valued.

In his memory, The Ev Effect launched this award to recognize students who carry Everson's spirit forward—those who consistently show compassion, lead by example, and build others up. What began as a simple recognition has grown into something transformative.

Today, recipients of the Spirit Award are honored not only for who they are but also empowered to make a difference. Each student receives a $250 Pay-It-Forward Grant and is challenged to use it to spread kindness in a way that matters to them. Whether it's helping a classmate, supporting a school-wide initiative, or making someone's day just a little brighter, their actions leave a ripple effect of good.

Students work alongside a mentor at their school and have one year to design and carry out their plan. The Ev Effect walks beside them every step of the way—providing encouragement, logistical support, and a belief in their vision.

This award program began at Beagle Middle School and has since expanded to Charlotte Middle School, with a dream of reaching every middle school in Eaton County—and eventually, all of Michigan. No matter the location, the mission remains the same: to celebrate students who show up with heart and to give them the tools to lead with kindness.

At its core, the Spirit Award isn't just about honoring one student's legacy — it's about passing it forward, one act of generosity at a time.