I’m sure you have seen the ‘Dude be Nice’ stickers, shirts, or just heard someone talk about the organization around the school before, but do you actually know what it is? Dude be Nice is an organization that promotes kind behavior around campus by acknowledging a staff member every year for their kindness. To pick the winner, clubs are invited to nominate one staff member, the dude or dudette, they see the majority vote, to eventually announce the winner. Usually, there is a rally after to celebrate the winner of Dude be Nice.

 The winner of last year’s Dude be Nice program was Mr. Perez, he is a teacher loved by many and he was shocked yet honored to be the winner.

 “I was really surprised I was chosen for the award. It feels good to know there are people out there that see you as a positive influence on our students,” says Perez.

Mrs. Jill Mortensen (Morty), activities director at RHS, was the one who brought the Dude be Nice program to Ripon High when she found it at a conference seven years ago and loved the idea and message behind it. 

“I wanted clubs involved, to be able to give goodies and positivity to the student body and honor those who are genuinely kind and supportive toward staff and students here at the world’s greatest high school,” said Morty. 

Mr. Perez is a great example of a winner of the Dude be Nice because he inspires his students everyday to be kind to their fellow classmates, teachers, and peers in their lives. He is a teacher who has a great impact on students and shows them how to be kind not only around campus but in their everyday lives. 

“Mr. Perez has a very positive impact on me, he makes taking an extremely rigorous AP class enjoyable and he connects with each and everyone one of his students very well. Outside of class, I see him involved in events and even helping leadership which shows his involvement and kindness,” says Devin Fitzpatrick, one of his sophomore students.

As you can see, he is a teacher who not only has a great impact on students but also shows them how to be kind, not only around campus but in their everyday lives. 

 “I believe Dude be Nice is an excellent way to express appreciation for those who make a difference in the lives of our students. I really like the way it allows clubs to get involved and come together to show how much Ripon High students care about the teachers and staff,” said Perez.

Who is a teacher or staff member that inspires you to be kind?