Anna’s Kindness Award recipients from Forsythe Middle School display their awards and certificates.

First Anna’s Kindness Award winners announced

By Jordyn Hermani / mlive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI – A talent show at Forsythe Middle School in Ann Arbor last week served a special purpose: honoring a seventh grader who died in April of complications from pneumonia.

The Anna LeFort Kindness Award was awarded June 9 to a sixth, seventh and eighth grade student who showcased “the same generous spirit Anna had,” said Forsythe Principal Jerry Morrissey.

Sixth grader Alex Enrique Shakespeare, seventh grader Sophie Schrag and eighth grader Geneve Thomas-Palmer were awarded the honor.

Award winners were chosen based on recommendations from staff and parents. The award is not based on academics, said Josh Loyer, special education teacher and director of the talent show. He wants students to understand there is more to education than grades alone.

“The award was not only created to pay tribute to Anna, but also to assist in the healing process,” said Julie Monan, Forsythe Middle School counselor.

Twenty-nine students were nominated for the award.

Morrissey said he came up with the idea of an award named after Anna after being approached by her parents, Michael and Fran LeFort.

“The parents really wanted to create something that celebrated her spirit, which was about being kind and serving others,” he said. “The LeForts were interested in creating a legacy for Anna and to inspire other kids to that level of kindness and service.”