"At Gregg School it’s common to see 'Be Like Rick' shirts worn by staff," said Principal Staci Johnson. "It’s a tribute to a man whose out-of-the-world character, kindness, and generosity left a permanent mark on our Gregg school community. While we officially honor Rick’s memory every December for his birthday and on the anniversary of his passing on April 15th, his spirit is best seen in the daily actions of our students."
This year, as we focus on service and kindness to honor Rick’s life, one student perfectly captured that spirit of selflessness: Peyton Melanson. Peyton—who is also quite the duck enthusiast—decided to turn a simple idea into a school-wide wave of positivity.
Just before spring break, Peyton reached out with a selfless request: he wanted to use his own money to create "positivity clips" featuring ducks and uplifting messages. His goal was simple but profound—to hide them around the school for students and staff to stumble upon, hoping a small surprise would spark a smile and spread kindness.
Mrs. Johnson said, "We are so grateful to both Rick and Peyton. They serve as beautiful reminders of the importance of grace, looking out for one another, and the power of paying it forward."