The Impact is REAL
High School Students Presenting the World’s Greatest Anti-Bullying Message
The “Stop, Drop, & Roll of Bullying!”
to Elementary Students K-5
What is S.T.E.P.?
From day one, the Sweethearts & Heroes message has empowered our youth to be the change the world needs. S.T.E.P. (Student-Teacher Empathy Program) takes our foundational K-2 and 3-5 elementary grade messages and trains high school students to deliver them in a small group classroom format.
HOPE & Action delivered by students, for students.
Who was Kennedy Columbus?
In the 2024-2025 school year, Sweethearts & Heroes launched the inaugural Student Teacher Empathy Program (S.T.E.P.), empowering students to become the experts and teachers of our anti-bullying and empowerment message.
From the very beginning, few embodied the spirit of this mission more powerfully than Kennedy Columbus, a student from the Chazy Central Rural School. Kennedy embraced her role with a remarkable passion and a smile that could light up any room.
After Kennedy completed the program, she intended to stay connected with Sweethearts & Heroes while attending college and help guide future students through the program.
Tragically, on June 20, 2025, Kennedy passed away in a car accident after a tree branch fell on her vehicle on her way home.
Kennedy’s incredible spirit will forever be the foundation of this program.
Sweethearts & Heroes is committed to honoring her legacy forever by ensuring her name and bright smile remain attached to our mission of empowering every student in America.
“You may not recognize it yet, but you possess the H.O.P.E. that many seek.”
In loving memory of Kennedy Columbus
2024-2025 School Year Programs
AuSable Valley CSD
Plattsburgh CSD
Chazy CRS
Ticonderoga CSD
Peru CSD
Launch a Program today!
Spark the next generation to be the change and sustain the message of Sweethearts & Heroes at a whole new level!
Unlock your students’ superpowers and help them share their experiences and strengths with their younger peers!
Jumpstart your youth leadership team and set them up for a future Sweethearts & Heroes B.R.A.V.E. Program!
Take Action today!