Braces Omaha is proud to recognize our first EMPOWER Human Kindness Ambassador, Kodi. Our EMPOWER Human Kindness initiative was created to recognize and encourage students in our community who are spreading kindness to others in person and online.

We want to recognize the students in our area who are doing their best to build others up and taking actions to make our community a better, kinder place to live.

We received many stories of students who are working hard to spread kindness throughout Omaha. One that stood out in particular was a seventh grader from Central Middle School, Kodi. She has been recognized by her teachers and fellow students for her positivity, kindness and the support she offers her fellow students. In her application video, Kodi spoke of losing a friend to bullying in 2019 and how after that tragic loss she worked hard to make herself a safe person kids can go to if they are feeling depressed, considering suicide, or just need someone to talk to. This resulted in a nomination by the entire 6th grade team to be a “Hope Hero”. Hope Heros are students, nominated by their peers, as someone who is trusted and there for all students. Kodi’s acts of kindness are large and small from holding the door for someone to letting them borrow a pencil. She treats everyone like a friend. Her math teacher ended by saying that Kodi “embodies the definition of kindness.”

As our EMPOWER Human Kindness Ambassador, Kodi will receive a $1,500 scholarship. We hope that Kodi will serve as a powerful example for all students in our region and the many other applicants, by continuing to EMPOWER Human Kindness through actions large and small every day.