ADAMS TWP — Orthodontist Stephanie Rhoads of Rhoads Orthodontic Specialist in Cranberry Township elicited many smiles at Monday night's school board meeting.

Rhoads presented the board with a $12,880 check to buy #Bethekindkid T-shirts for district students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

#Bethekindkid is a global campaign launched to promote kindness by example among students. The donation will pay for shirts for 1,840 students.

The district began selling #Bethekindkid shirts to district staff and students at the beginning of the semester.

Rhoads, who is the mother of three, said her oldest child is a kindergarten student in the Mars district. She told the board she likes to support local schools and organizations through her office.

When her daughter started school, she particularly became interested in working with Mars Area.

“I … really want to get more involved in the Mars School District,” Rhoads said

Rhoads told The Eagle she specifically supports anti-bullying programs. As an orthodontist, she works with children daily.

“(Kids) tell us they're being bullied,” Rhoads said.

Citing the district's ongoing application of Rachel's Challenge — a national nonprofit program that fights violence in schools — board President Dayle Ferguson said the donation promotes the district's #Bethekindkid campaign.

“Be the kind kid' has sort of turned into the motto,” Ferguson said.

According to Ferguson, some students were able to buy shirts in time for “Wear it Wednesdays.” Rhoads' donation provides shirts to the elementary students who did not.

“All of our kids … will now participate,” Ferguson said. “It is a great investment in our kindness initiative.”

“To see the students participating in the #Bethekindkid (campaign) is certainly a great initiative,” said Wesley Shipley, district superintendent.

Community members will be able to order #Bethekindkid shirts after students receive theirs. Shirts range from $7 to $14. More information will be available on the district's website.