As the school year winds down, it’s a fitting time to recognize the educators who make a lasting impact.
At Smithville Elementary School in Galloway, one teacher is being recognized not only for her work in the classroom, but for creating what many describe as a “kindness epidemic” throughout the school.
Alexandra Southrey, a fourth-grade teacher and nominee for the Dearfoams Kindness Award, has spent the past decade shaping young minds — six of those years at Smithville. Originally from northern New Jersey and raised in Connecticut, Southrey’s path to teaching began early, inspired by childhood days spent “playing school.”
Today, that passion continues to guide her work.
Southrey says the greatest reward in teaching is the opportunity to connect with her students each day, helping them grow both academically and socially.
Kindness is central to that mission.
Inside her classroom, it’s reflected in small but meaningful actions — listening closely to students, offering support when needed, and creating an environment where children feel safe and valued. That approach soon expanded beyond her classroom walls.
Southrey founded and now advises Smithville’s Kindness Club, a fourth-grade initiative designed to encourage leadership and responsibility while promoting compassion across the school community. Students in the club organize both spontaneous and planned acts of kindness for classmates, staff, and others throughout the building.
According to a nomination submitted on the award website, the club’s efforts have helped foster a culture where kindness is practiced daily — by both students and adults.
Outside the classroom, Southrey’s commitment to caring for others continues. She is a mother of three, including a child with special needs, and serves as a team leader, Girl Scout leader, FSA board member, PTA organizer, and advocate for families navigating similar challenges.
Whether at home or at school, her message remains consistent: Be kind.
If selected as the award recipient, Southrey said she would use the $10,000 prize to support both her students and her family.
“I promised my students a pizza party — with whole slices instead of the double-cut pieces they usually get,” she said. “But more importantly, I would use the funds to help support my family. Many of the things my child needs are not covered by insurance, which can be difficult.”
Like many educators, she also uses her own money to enhance her classroom.
“This would allow me to continue providing those extras for my students without the added stress,” she said.
Southrey credits her colleagues and administrators for supporting her efforts, including Dave Ragazzi and Jackie Davis, as well as Superintendent Steve Santilli for encouraging new ideas and programs like the Kindness Club.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue expanding kindness initiatives within the school and beyond. Her goals include developing resources for social-emotional learning, supporting fellow educators, and eventually creating a nonprofit organization to assist families of children with special needs.
Voting for the Dearfoams Kindness Award closed May 1, with the winner scheduled to be announced May 5.
For Southrey, the recognition is meaningful — but the mission remains the same.
Creating a culture where kindness leads.
Gary Mazin is a long time Ventnor resident. He has a love of writing, reading comic books and watching movies. He is a published author and is a graduate of both ACCC and New York Film Academy.
