Works of art by three Middle Gate Elementary School students were chosen to be part of an auction at the Thursday, June 8, Ben's Bells Connecticut's annual Celebration of Kindness event, which was scheduled after this edition of the paper went to press, from 7 to 10 pm, at The Meeting House Pub in Bethel.bensbells.org/celebration-kindness-connecticut

Middle Gate school counselor Melissa Arsenault explained that three students created drawings that were chosen to be turned into mosaic art stepping stones to be auctioned off at the event.

Ms Arsenault said Middle Gate is a Ben's Bells Kind Campus, and she works with Ben's Bells often. When she learned about the project to turn student artwork into mosaic stepping stones, she organized submissions from her school. Artwork from a total of 110 students from around the country was chosen, according to Ms Arsenault, including the submissions from the three students from Middle Gate.

Designs by third graders Kade Deraney and Sofia Escalera, and fourth grader Ashley Schrader were chosen.

Ashley drew a puppy next to an elephant holding an umbrella in the rain. When asked what inspired her artwork, Ashley said, "I really like animals and I personally think they show kindness in their daily lives."

Sofia said she thinks kindness helps people in a positive way. She drew a peace sign next to two flower pots.

Kade said he was inspired to create his drawing of flowers being shared between hands from giving his mother flowers for her birthday each year.

"She always loves them," Kade said.

or by calling 203-501-9999.More information about Ben's Bells is available online at bensbells.org, and additional information about the Celebration of Kindness is available at