Meet Brody Ridder, a 12-year-old with a passion for chess, fencing, and dinosaurs. Despite his intelligence and humor, he often finds himself sitting alone during lunch and recess at The Academy of Charter Schools in Westminster, Colorado. Teased about his ears and weight, Brody faces tough times at school.

His mom, Cassandra Ridder, tried to cheer him up by suggesting that he get some kind words from his classmates in his yearbook. However, when Brody asked his classmates to sign his yearbook, some flat-out refused, and others merely signed their names without leaving any messages. Heartbroken, Brody wrote to himself, expressing a hope for more friends.

Cassandra, upset by her son’s experience, posted on the school’s Facebook page, sharing the story and urging parents to teach their kids kindness. To her surprise, the response was overwhelming. The next day, Brody showed her his yearbook filled with messages and signatures from students in different grades, offering kind words and even providing their phone numbers for him to connect.

Messages included:

“Hey dude, you’re freaking awesome. Stay that way.”
“Brody, you are the kindest little kid. You are so loved. Don’t listen to the kids that tell you different.”
“Brody, I hope you have an amazing summer! You’re worth it, and you matter!”
“Hey buddy, never change; never put your head down.”

Brody’s joy was evident, and he described it as the “best day ever.” Cassandra expressed gratitude for the overwhelming kindness shown to her son and hopes the story inspires others to be more compassionate.