Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona, in partnership with Subway Restaurants of Arizona, Dasani Water, Shamrock Farms and The Be Kind People Project, rode into Lincoln Elementary School in Mesa this January to recognize two special students as part of its Cycle for Success program. Through a teacher-led nomination process, wherein educators are asked to submit nominations highlighting students’ good works both inside and outside of the classroom, a fourth grader and a fifth grader were chosen to be surprised with bikes, helmets and locks, as well as Subway lunches for their entire classes.

“My student demonstrates sensitivity and kindness toward everyone,” said Mrs. Hernandez, fourth grade teacher. “She has made it her daily duty to assist a student with anything he needs—lending him her notes and getting homework and assignments for him when he is not in class.”

The Cycle for Success program has been operating for more than a decade and focuses on increasing children’s self-esteem, encouraging the community to become involved in the lives of at-risk children and promoting random acts of kindness in local schools. Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona and The Be Kind People Project advocate for the health and safety of children, recognize random acts of kindness that may otherwise go unnoticed, and encourage community involvement in the lives of at-risk youth.

“My student shows such compassion for the other students in the classroom,” said Ms. Ray, fifth grade teacher. “He even took it upon himself to start a tutoring club during his lunch hour to assist the students that are struggling academically or that may just need a friend. He encourages them, is patient and truly cares about his peers.”

Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona’s mission is to provide sports equipment, uniforms, registration fees and access to major sporting events for kids who might not otherwise be able to participate. Subway Restaurants of Arizona supports kids in sports because it believes basic sports skills — teamwork, commitment and accountability — help kids throughout their lives. Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona has reached more than 25,000 Arizona children since its inception in 1999.