Gordon-Rushville High School graduate Valeria Benitez-Socarras has been named the recipient of the 2026 BE K.I.N.D. Award, an honor recognizing graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional kindness, compassion, and service to others.
Valeria was selected after receiving an impressive 14 nominations from community members, teachers, and peers who shared stories about the positive impact she has made on those around her through her kindness and willingness to help others.
What Is the BE K.I.N.D Award?
The BE K.I.N.D. Award was established to recognize graduating seniors within the community who exemplify the qualities represented by its name:
- Bright
- Empathetic
- Kind
- Intelligent
- Nurturing
- Dependable
Funding for the award is generated through Gordon Memorial Hospital District’s annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Campaign, held each September. Community events, raffles, and fundraisers help make the scholarship possible.
Recipients are nominated by community members through Gordon Memorial Hospital District’s website, and the winner is selected by the organization’s executive committee after reviewing all nominations.
A Record Achievement
Valeria graduated from Gordon-Rushville High School in May and has built an impressive record of academic achievement, athletic success, and community involvement.
Throughout her school years, she competed in track, volleyball, softball, and swimming. She was a member of the Chadron Sharks Swim Team, served on the Athlete Committee of Wyoming Swimming Inc., and participated in her school’s Kindness Committee during middle school.
Academically, Valeria graduated Magna Cum Laude and became the first Gordon-Rushville student in school history to earn a college swimming scholarship.
This fall, she will attend the College of Saint Mary, where she will continue her swimming career while pursuing a degree in nursing.
Why Valaria Was Chosen
The many nominations submitted on Valeria’s behalf highlighted her strong work ethic and genuine concern for others.
Community members shared examples of her:
- Tutoring fellow students
- Teaching swimming lessons
- Helping at church
- Regularly visiting her grandmother
- Putting others before herself
- Going out of her way to greet people
- Taking time to talk with younger children
One nominator wrote:
“Valeria creates a positive environment wherever she goes, making people feel valued, included, and supported. Her kindness is not just occasional. It is a part of who she is every day.”
Valeria’s Message About Kindness
When asked about receiving the award, Valeria expressed gratitude and appreciation for the recognition.
She also shared a message about kindness that she hopes others will remember:
“Always be kind to others. You never know when they, or you, may need it.”
Looking toward the future, Valeria hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through both her career and personal interactions.
“I hope to change someone’s life for the better,” she said. “Whether through nursing or just by supporting others, I hope to help pave the way for a brighter future.”
Thank You to Our Community
Gordon Memorial Hospital District extends its congratulations to Valeria on receiving the 2026 BE K.I.N.D. Award and wishes her continued success as she joins the Saint Mary Flames and pursues a career in nursing.
The hospital district also thanks everyone who donated, participated, and supported the September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month activities that help fund this award. Community support makes it possible to recognize outstanding young people like Valeria each year.
Individuals and businesses interested in participating in this year’s campaign can contact Gordon Memorial Hospital District at info@gordonmemorial.org.
The BE K.I.N.D. Award celebrates individuals who make communities stronger through compassion and service. Valeria’s example serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Welcome Jayne Nelson, DNP, FNP-C