Kindness pays.

Four Arlington ISD students were surprised Thursday night with $1,000 scholarships for their kind behavior.

Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Arlington Police Deputy Chief Os Flores and Community Relations Commission Chairman Dr. Von Peaks spoke at Thursday's ceremony.

The City of Arlington’s Community Relations Commission helped select the winners. The recipients were nominated by their school counselors.

Bowie High School student April Paday led the Christmas Angel Project at the school, which provides gifts for underprivileged children. Paday’s counselors, Anitra Givens and Charity Whatley, noted her passion to serve others. Paday was also student council president and used the platform to give back to others.

Martin High School student Hannah Robinson is passionate about students with special needs. Robinson organized a sensory-sensitive dance for special education students. She also volunteers with Special Olympics. Robinson’s counselor, Susan Kingen, said Robinson “started a tradition that is sure to continue for many years.”

Josiah Mercado was selected from Lamar High School. Mercado rallied his fellow football players to help remodel the Sherrod Elementary courtyard. He also secured a $3,500 grant from the Cowboys to make the project happen.

Seguin High School graduate Ja’Mia Giddens discovered her passion for students with special needs during her off period. Giddens was an office aide and asked to volunteer with Special Olympics during that time. Her kind acts earned her the nickname “Momma Giddens.” Her counselor, Marsona Jackson, said of Giddens, “Ja’Mia has a heart of service, and her desire to work with special-needs kids is a rare find.”

The Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation funded the scholarships.

Two Arlington residents were also honored for their acts of kindness.

Sherry Hall crochets scarves for families in need and the homeless community. She has made and given away nearly 100 scarves.

Click here to learn more about Sherry's volunteer work.

For the past four years, Dave Butler has been using his birthday to help others. Butler and his neighbors get together to make stuffed animals and have now donated about 800 to hospitalized children.

Click here to learn more about Dave's kind act. 

Arlington Police Lieutenant Kyrus Branch was also honored for his work. Branch is known as "Officer Kind" for his message of kindness, both on-duty and off. 

Representatives were also on hand from The Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation, Parks Mall, The Texas Rangers, Chick-fil-A at Parks Mall and Prince Lebanese Grill. Each business/organization has supported the City's Kindness Initiative and was recognized with plaques for their commitment to the program. 

Mayor Williams launched the Kindness Initiative in 2017 to make The American Dream City a kinder place to live, work, play and learn.

People are encouraged to report acts of kindness they perform, witness or were the recipient of through the City’s Ask Arlington mobile app, on the Kindness Initiative web page, or by posting on social media using #ArlingtonKindness and @CityofArlington.

Click here to read more about Acts of Kindness occurring throughout The American Dream City.