The students of Team Earth at the Ladue Fifth Grade Center (FGC) recently received a special lesson in the power of positivity from a familiar face. Mike Bush, the longtime KSDK anchor who recently announced his retirement after more than 40 years in broadcasting, visited the school to speak about the impact of kindness and the importance of sharing good news.

The visit held a personal connection for the veteran journalist: he was the special guest of his granddaughter, Ashton, a current fifth grader at FGC. "I've got four grandkids; Ashton was the first," Bush shared. "I'll drop anything to spend time with her... the fact that they wanted me to speak to her class, it was just a thrill for me."

Drawing from his two decades of producing "Making a Difference" reports, Bush spoke to students about why highlighting good deeds is essential in today’s world. He explained that while the news often focuses on difficult topics, finding balance is crucial to the sanity of both storytellers and viewers.

"I like to spread that message because that is just as important a story, maybe even more so, to talk about people who pay it forward," Bush said. "Our biggest challenge is finding those stories because people who do those things don't usually publicize it."

The presentation resonated deeply with the fifth graders, who engaged with the message through questions and interactive discussion. Bush noted that sharing stories specifically about children being kind is a powerful way to connect with a younger audience.

The visit aligns with the district's Future-Ready Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the development of durable skills such as empathy, communication, and social responsibility. By learning to look for the "good" in their community, students are developing the human connection skills that are essential for success in and out of the classroom.

"My hope is that it sticks with them,” Bush remarked. “You never know what’s going to resonate with a 10 or 11-year-old. But the next time they have an opportunity to be kind, they may remember a story, and they’ll spread that kindness forward."

Ladue Schools thanks Mr. Bush for taking the time to inspire our students and for his decades of service in highlighting the best of the St. Louis community!