DANVILLE, Ky. (AP) - It seems all one hears out of American schools these days is bad news, and even worse news about the kids.
However, at Boyle County High School there is a mystery angel who is making it a point to focus on the good rather than the bad, and it seems to be making all the difference.
In January, a new Twitter account was started with the handle BCHSAnonymous and a profile statement that reads, “My mission? It’s simple. To spread positivity around Boyle County High School.”
Several tweets were sent out to get the positive vibes started.
“Let’s do something crazy,” said the first tweet posted on January 25, followed by four more introductory tweets:
“There’s no doubt that there is a lot of negativity in our everyday lives.”
“Why not do something to change that?”
“Starting now, I’ll anonymously compliment Boyle County High School students and staff.”
“Hopefully along the way I can put a smile on someone’s face and make our school a better place.”
Since then, the anonymous tweeter has posted uplifting, encouraging and complimentary tweets focusing on students and staff members.
Julie Taylor, district drama coach for Boyle County Schools, says she is impressed and excited about the anonymous tweeter.
“I just think it’s a great idea,” said Taylor. “There’s so much negativity on social media, and it’s nice to see someone being positive. I don’t know who it is, but I’m pretty sure it’s a student.”
The first complimentary tweet read, “First compliment goes to @briannlynn98 - she’s a an absolute sweetheart. Brianna, your smile and positive outlook doesn’t go unnoticed.”
“The only thing bigger than @HagenTyler_2015’s future is his heart. His kindness and humility is so nice to see. He’s gonna change things,” read a tweet.
“Mrs. Casey from Guidance is a wonderful lady. She’s helpful to everyone. Plus, her candles make that corner of the school smell great,” read another.
The mystery tweeter also sends out global messages of encouragement to those who may be struggling with common teen issues.
“If you’re looking for a sign not to kill, harm or insult yourself, this is it. If no one else is telling you they love you, I will,” said the encouraging tweet.
It is not entirely certain if the good Samaritan is a student or a faculty member. However, tweeted clues seem to point to a student.
When asked by a Twitter follower about the tweeter’s identity, BCHSAnonymous said, “Can’t say at the moment … I’m going to stay under the radar :) All I can tell you is that I go to BCHS.”
“I don’t know who it is, but I follow them on Twitter,” said freshman Elizabeth Lyons, “I think it’s a great thing. It really brightens people’s day.”
When speculation over who the mysterious tweeter became the major topic of the day in school, BCHSAnonymous responded, “I’ve heard a lot of speculation today… I can confirm that I am not Mrs. Strickland or Mrs. Mallory. They’re wonderful ladies, though.”
Students have responded and publicly thanked @BCHSAnonymous with tweets of their own.
“@BCHSAnonymous thank you so much! I really appreciate it! This is really cool what you’re doing,” tweeted a student.
Another student said, “@BCHSAnonymous wow! Thank you so much! Whoever you are, keep it up!” and another tweeted, “@BCHSAnonymous thank you! You made my heart smile.”
BCHSAnonymous has certainly made an impact on the students and faculty at the high school.
“Teenagers get a lot of attention for the negative things they post on the Internet” said Taylor. “I think it’s important to give attention to the positive. I also really like how the person behind it is remaining anonymous, so it’s really a selfless thing to do.”
With nearly 400 followers, the high school Twitter angel has the school buzzing with speculation, but many like the anonymity aspect of the tweets and hope it stays that way.
“I don’t want to find out who it is. I think it’s nice that we aren’t worried about who it is. We just think it’s a positive part of the day. And, I like how they mention teachers too,” said senior Cierra Hawkins.
The tweets have cast a positive outlook on the entire school and students say they look forward to seeing BCHSAnonymous’ latest compliment.
“They mention a lot of kids that wouldn’t get attention otherwise. A lot of the kids mentioned aren’t involved in things like sports, so they are getting attention too,” said senior Aaron Lewis.
“It’s a nice contrast to all the other accounts that are really negative,” said Savannah Stow, a junior.
The mystery continues and the school awaits the next compliment from BCHSAnonymous.
One recent post reads, “There are 16 days of school left, so that’s 16 opportunities to help someone. You never know how big of an impact your actions can make.”
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