Recently I went back to West Morris Mendham High School after 26 years since I graduated. Life moves so fast, and I am always “busy being busy,” but I regret that it took me more than two decades to get myself back there. The school’s wonderful awards evening made it evident that I should have visited sooner.

The places where we grew up really are “home,” and they shaped who we are.  The memories and flashbacks that went through my brain as I walked those halls again were almost too much to process – some good, some big disappointments, but they all helped define my character and who I am today.

It was really nice to see some of my old teachers and faculty who are STILL there. I was so sad to hear that so many of my former colleagues and fellow students had passed away over the past decade – some quite tragically. It was heartening to see scholarships in their honor, and to hear the speeches and tributes to these great people who left us too soon was moving to the core of my heart.

I attended to proudly give away the kidkind foundation’s first Wear the Cape Hero Scholarship to the graduating senior who embodies the values and mission of our kidkind foundation – the person who truly Wears his/her Cape in everyday life and does what is right, not just what is easy.

I am really thrilled that we selected a fine young gentleman named Frank Piacenti from Chester, NJ, who will be attending George Washington University in the fall. I met the Piacenti family, and they were beyond gracious. I cannot explain the chill in my body that I experienced awarding this $2,500 scholarship to a great guy. When I spoke to the faculty about Frank, or Frankie as he is affectionately known, people instantly said what a wonderful human being he is…and that was simply awesome to hear. That’s what we are all about – finding the good – and recognizing the people who are inclusive and tolerant and give of themselves.

Frank will be an ambassador for our brand, and I am really excited to have his counsel.

I want to thank all of our donors to date for helping us raise funds to go out into the world and recognize the good in people. We cannot do this without all of you.

Congratulations, once again, Frank Piacenti; the sky is the limit for what you can do out in this world. We are excited to be part of your current and future success.

Choose kind,
Leigh Ann

P.S. To read more about this scholarship and see what Frank had to say about being recognized, read the press release on our Media page.