by Helena Prusak ’23

Are you aware of just how much kindness surrounds you? Don’t be alarmed if you cannot answer this question–most people will not be able to. However, there is a club at Wyoming Seminary that can help with an answer. Dude. Be Nice is all about highlighting and celebrating acts of kindness that might not be noticed or appreciated. 

Dude. Be Nice is a nationwide organization that was brought to Sem around six years ago. Claire Stretanski ‘23, a leader of Dude. Be Nice, said, “My favorite thing about Dude. Be Nice is the message. I think it is such a simple message, but it is so important. Kindness is something that people of all ages can learn.” 

The club is constantly active, but every year there is a focus week to highlight the club’s message. This year, Dude. Be Nice Week was from April 25th to April 29th. Each day in the week had a special theme. These themes included Make Someone Happy Monday, Take Care of the World Tuesday, Kind Deed Wednesday, and Teamwork Thursday. Friday wrapped up the week with a closing assembly. 

For this years assembly, awards were given out to students and teachers to highlight kindness that would not otherwise be rewarded. Stretanski said, “I think recognizing kindness is extremely important, especially in a school setting. Schools need something to bring positivity to campus, and recognizing students for being kind is a great way to do that.” Closing out a week that focuses on applauding kindness in the Sem community by giving standing ovations to people who have been especially kind to others reinforces the club’s goal. 

Dude. Be Nice is special because it is one of the only clubs that involves the entire Sem community. Lucy Lew ‘24, the liason for Dude. Be Nice at the Lower School, said, “Because there are some younger kids at the Lower School, we really try to remind kids that kindness doesn’t just stop after this week. It is just simply highlighted!” 

Dude. Be Nice’s message remains consistent between both campuses. Lew said, “The Lower School had the same themes as the Upper School and even some similar activities, such as putting sticky notes up.” When both the Upper School and Lower School are participating in the same activities to promote kindness, the entirety of the Sem community is connected. 

Dude Be. Nice has a strong presence at Sem. The club’s message is infectious and spreads like wildfire across both campuses. Kindness is always present, but it is celebrated, highlighted, and spread by Dude. Be Nice.