Coincidentally and perhaps fittingly, World Kindness Day immediately follows the anniversary of the untimely passing of Peter Bonn-Elchoness.

Observed every year on November 13, the annual awareness day encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives and emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world.

Renowned throughout the school community as a magnetic presence and a talented student-athlete involved in countless extracurricular activities who always looked out for others, Bonn-Elchoness embodied the spirit of World Kindness Day.

Suddenly and without warning, however, a rare disease that causes heart damage even in perfectly healthy people claimed Bonn-Elchoness’s life at the age of 17 while he was sleeping on November 12, 2022.

Shortly after his death, Peter’s family learned even more about his generosity of spirit through the letters of condolence they received from his classmates. Among other actions, Peter stood up to bullies, supported children in crisis and supported teammates and competitors. His parents, Dave Elchoness and Eve Bonn, were told that Peter had saved lives.

To honor the memory of their son, Dave, a graduate of Edison High School (Class of ’89), and Eve founded The Peter Fund, whose mission is to support efforts to increase compassion, generosity, kindness and sportsmanship in especially among young people.

The nonprofit created the Kindness Counts Award and an accompanying online nomination process to recognize extraordinary teens who demonstrate these qualities. The first set of awards was presented in May 2023 to Peter’s fellow seniors at Niwot High School in Colorado.

Peter’s parents, who are working to expand the program nationally, have now included much of Boulder County, Colo., and partnered last year with the Marisa Tufaro Foundation of New Jersey to establish an annual Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award , which honors up to four student-athletes in the league.

Nominees from the 36 Greater Middlesex Conference member schools whose sportsmanship transcends the playing field on high school campuses and beyond – filtering into classrooms, hallways, communities and even at home – will be considered for the Kindness Award Counts 2025 from the Greater Middlesex Conference.

Recipients will receive a commemorative plaque, T-shirt and $500 to donate in their name to a charity of their choice serving Middlesex County children in need. Faculty, staff, administrators, coaches, classmates, teammates and opponents can nominate a student-athlete for the award.

Recipients will be honored during the annual sports awards conference luncheon on April 16 at The Pines Manor in Dave’s hometown of Edison.

“It has never been more evident that we need more kindness, understanding and treating each other with respect as we do now,” said Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Director Frank Noppenberger. “The Peter Fund is a wonderful way to promote and reward extraordinary acts of kindness, citizenship, volunteerism, inclusion, empathy, charity and sportsmanship.”

Student-athletes, many of whom are valued as leaders, are often held to a higher standard. The way they behave is reflected in the name that appears on the back and front of their jerseys. Student athletes like Peter, who as an accomplished fencer qualified for the Junior Olympics, can make a difference outside of the competitive arena.

“Simply put, Peter is no longer here, but the world desperately needs more of what he did in his lifetime,” said Dave Elchoness, noting that despite Peter’s untimely passing, his legacy of your honor continues.

“To be able to honor Peter’s memory by presenting this award to the student-athletes of Middlesex County, a place where I no longer live, but for which I will always feel a deep love, is deeply meaningful.”

The Peter Fund provides support and encourages adolescent-centered programs that increase understanding, compassion, generosity of spirit, and simple kindness. The nonprofit’s focus is on efforts related to basic respect, anti-bullying, mental health, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Dave Elchoness is a friend and former Edison High School classmate of Cyndi Tufaro, who with her husband Greg founded the Marisa Tufaro Foundation in memory of their inspirational daughter to help pediatric patients and children in need throughout the of Middlesex County.

Born with a severe heart defect, Marisa survived six open heart surgeries and a heart transplant before succumbing to a rare form of cancer in 2017. He was only 13 years old.

Despite being hospitalized for more than two years and keeping hundreds of doctor’s appointments, Marisa was an Edison Township Public Schools honor roll student who lived an inspirational life.

With incredible support from Greater Middlesex Conference schools, the foundation that bears Marisa’s name has donated more than $350,000 to fulfill its mission.

The nonprofit also ran drives that generated thousands of toys, nonperishable food items, winter jackets, baby supplies, school supplies and other items for donation that had no monetary value.

In addition, Marisa Tufaro Foundation awarded $33,000 in scholarships to 42 outstanding Middlesex County high school students and sent 27 elementary and middle school students to a weeklong summer art camp at Rutgers University’s Zimmerli Museum.

“In an unfathomable tragedy, the Bonn-Elchoness family found an ineffably meaningful way to keep Peter’s indomitable spirit alive,” said Cyndi Tufaro. “The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is honored to partner with The Peter Fund and the Greater Middlesex Conference on this important initiative.

“We welcome the opportunity to celebrate student-athletes who never met Peter, but who mirror his kind-hearted nature.”

The Greater Middlesex Conference Kindness Counts Award is based on the following criteria:

Constant Goodness: Regular acts of kindness – big or small – to classmates, teachers, staff and family throughout a student-athlete’s time in high school. Acts can range from daily niceties, such as holding doors open, to larger actions, such as caring for a family member or helping at home.

Actions with impact: Carrying out activities that create a positive and meaningful impact on others. Examples include starting or participating in a community project, mentoring younger students, or providing emotional support to peers.

Inclusivity: Striving to welcome and include all, especially those who may feel excluded or marginalized. Actions can include befriending newcomers, fighting bullying or supporting inclusive school activities.

Empathy: Demonstrating a strong understanding and sensitivity to the feelings of others, such as comforting a friend in distress or being a source of emotional support for classmates.

Community involvement: Active involvement in community activities that align with the spirit of kindness, such as volunteering, participating in community events, or making a positive impact in the local area.

Charity initiative: Showing a genuine desire to help causes bigger than yourself, such as engaging in regular volunteer activities, initiating fundraising events, or educating others about important social issues.

Sportiness: Exemplifying fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in both victory and defeat, including showing humility and integrity, encouraging others, and showing appreciation for the opportunity to participate.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: The Kindness Counts Awards will honor GMC student-athletes