Being kind to others, respecting your peers, and inspiring others to contribute to a positive community are all goals of the DUDE. be nice project. This program is a platform organized to inspire individuals to do better for their community, and create a positive impact on others. This project was launched by Brent Camalich in hopes to improve the conditions for a student inside and outside of school.
Camalich said, “We’re a lifestyle apparel brand based in Ventura, CA. We realized there were a lot of brands out there that don’t stand for much and we wanted to be different. So, we created a brand that’s relevant enough for young people to wear and isn’t “anti-” something but FOR being “nice.”
Ripon High School’s Leadership class, along with Girl’s League, Encouragement Club, and the Peer Assistants class, felt inspired by Camalich’s message and decided to share it with the school by creating a week dedicated to this project. Not only was there a rally with an inspiring video, but there were dress-up days. The dress-up days included mix match day, Disney day, and career day. Along with dress up days, students got candy on Monday morning, could get their faces painted on Tuesday, got free hot chocolate on Wednesday, and were encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for lunch on Thursday. All these activities were designed to promote school spirit and positivity.
Students were encouraged during the rally to support others no matter what type of person they are. Ripon High Leadership chose a “DUDE. be nice” honoree. They chose Keith Rangel, Ripon High School’s principal, someone who is always there for students and influences people to do their best and be positive. Students who took part in the project showered Rangel in roses, balloons, and cards for his astounding service to the school and the community.
Overall, DUDE. be nice week was a success and many students were inspired by Brent Camalich’s words. Individuals involved in the DUDE. be nice program are encouraged to lift others up and spread positive words to those in schools and the community.
