Harper for Kids

05/12/2026

We’re grateful to be invited on podcast to share why we’re so passionate about helping students develop a healthy mindset around success, and how Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success can help them become their Personal Best. Partnering with the dedicated educators throughout Palm Springs Unified School District is truly special to us. A big thank you to host Joan Boiko for having us!

05/04/2026

What if students taught the Pyramid of Success?

In this class, two students shared what the Pyramid of Success means to them and how they would teach it to their classmates, showing that the best way to understand something is to teach it.

You could really see it start to click as they explained it in their own words.

This is something any classroom can try. Teachers can pair students together and have them take turns teaching the Pyramid of Success to the class.

We always love seeing how different classrooms bring this to life. Tag us if you try it. We’d love to see it!

04/13/2026

One of our favorite parts of going into classrooms . . . Talking with students about what success really means, and then giving them a chance to make it their own.

We had students create these “Success Plants” as a way to connect Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success to their own lives.

They thought about effort, character, and even the words they can say to themselves to be their Personal Best.

A simple, fun project that helps students see that success grows from effort.

04/06/2026

LOCAL STUDENTS GET A WOMEN'S HISTORY LESSON ON THE ORIGINAL 9

We're grateful to partner with the WTA Foundation and incredible friends and role models like Ann Austin (WTA Foundation Executive Director), tennis champions Kathy Rinaldi, and Trish Bostrom to bring these lessons to life for thousands of students.

From positive self-talk and writing down your dreams to self-belief, courage, and standing up for fairness, the story of the Original 9 helps students see how character and doing their personal best can make a positive difference in the world.

👉 Full story:
https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4479461/local-students-get-a-womens-history-lesson-on-the-original-9

During Women’s History Month at the BNP Paribas Open, Kathy Rinaldi, Trish Bostrom and Ann Austin brought the story of the Original 9 into local classrooms, connecting tennis history to lessons on confidence, leadership and standing up for opportunity.

03/01/2026

We were honored to be part of BNP Paribas Open Family Day once again. ❤️🎾

This year marked 14 years of being involved with Kids Day (since 2012), and we’re always appreciative of the opportunity to introduce Coach Wooden’s lessons on success to the families.
Our “Success Plant” coloring activity helped kids (and parents!) learn about Coach Wooden’s teachings on success, not as winning or trophies, but as giving your best effort.

Each leaf represented a character trait from the Pyramid of Success, Friendship, Cooperation, Self-Control, Determination, Confidence, and more.

The pot represents the soil… the foundation. Because strong character is what allows everything else to grow.
And on the pot, children added inspirational stickers with positive self-talk phrases, little reminders like “Never Give Up,” “Live Your Dream,” and “Go for it!” We talked about how the words we say to ourselves matter and ignites a positive mindset to want to give your best effort.

Thank you to BNP Paribas Open for continuing to value character education and allowing us to share this message with families in the community. We are grateful to be part of this special event year after year.

02/25/2026

Guest Spotlight: “Success Is…”

We loved having Kyle Hetzel and Brittany, Animal Care Specialists from the Oakland Zoo, speak with 3rd graders at Claire Lilienthal. We are so grateful they took the time to share their experiences and passion with our students.

Kyle shared his personal definition of success:
“Success is doing one thing today a tiny bit better than you did the day before.”

Kyle shared simple examples of the tiny things the students could do:
• Waking up a little earlier.
• Helping a classmate.
• Holding the door.
• Cleaning up without being asked.

He reminded students that success looks different for everyone and it’s not about comparing yourself to anyone else.
Kyle and Brittany connected their work at the Zoo to what students are learning in science, including animal adaptations and habitats, social groups, and inherited traits. Hearing real stories about caring for animals helped bring those lessons to life in a meaningful way and gave students real-world insight that goes beyond what they can read in a textbook.

What stood out most was their passion. When students see adults who truly love what they do, it leaves a lasting impression.
Finding something you care about and getting a little better at it every day. That’s success.

02/24/2026

On a visit to UCLA, we saw this painting of Coach John Wooden.

If you’ve ever spent time on campus, his presence is everywhere. His name on buildings. The many displays of his Pyramid of Success. Pennants lining the walkways with his maxims. His Den and statue in front of Pauley Pavilion. Even The Nell and John Wooden Court.

We took a family photo in front of his statue that day too. It’s one of those places that just feels special when you’re standing there.

inspiration

02/19/2026

PRINCIPAL PERSPECTIVE | Vallecitos Elementary School

At Vallecitos Elementary, one of our school partners, Principal Meliton Sanchez shared that the Pyramid of Success has become part of the daily message for students. He weaves it into announcements, recognition, and everyday conversations across campus. This work has reinforced positive relationships, self-management, and responsible decision-making.

By reinforcing the language of effort, personal best, and the traits on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, the school has seen a positive shift in culture. Vallecitos moved from CA PBIS Silver to Gold recognition and reduced chronic absenteeism from the mid-20% range to less than 7%. Principal Sanchez credits HFK’s program, centered on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, for part of that result.

If you’re an educator wondering how the Pyramid of Success can support your Character Education and PBIS/SEL goals, we’d love to connect.

02/17/2026

What does success really mean?

We were excited to start off the new year by welcoming USA Swimming swim champion and Olympian Alex Walsh as a special guest for 5th graders at Four Oaks Elementary and her sister Gretchen Walsh, also a USA Swimming swim champion and Olympian, for 3rd graders at Claire Lilienthal Elementary and Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary during our Harper for Kids Character Education presentations.

Alex shared that some of the moments that made her feel most successful had nothing to do with swimming at all. Being voted team captain her senior year of college remains one of her biggest honors. Gretchen reminded students that when they focus on what they can control and give their best effort, they can always be proud of themselves.

These are such powerful reminders for the students about what true success is all about. It’s about effort, leadership, growth, and the kind of person you’re becoming along the way.

We’re grateful to Alex and Gretchen for sharing their time and their personal definitions of success with all of these students.



www.instagram.com/harperforkids/p/DU1gQeVkk-9/?hl=en

02/15/2026

It’s been exciting to cheer on these Olympians competing in Milano, athletes who, over the past few years, have generously shared their time to speak with our students about what success truly means. As they compete in Italy right now, we’re reminded that their message goes far beyond medals.

Here are some of the powerful lessons on success that Freestyle Mogul Skiers Tess Johnson, Jaelin Kauf, Olivia Giaccio, along with Speed Skaters Casey Dawson and Conor McDermott-Mostowy, shared with our students.

Watch the full series here: https://www.instagram.com/harperforkids/p/DUypar5EpYp/?hl=en

Tess Johnson: “BELIEVE has been my mantra… Always believe in yourself with your whole heart. If you believe in yourself and work hard, anything is possible.”

Jaelin Kauf: “Nothing is guaranteed and you have to make the most of every opportunity… I have this motto, DELIVER THE LOVE. This is something I try to do every day in everything I do.”

Olivia Giaccio: “I believe in TRUSTING IN THE PROCESS… focusing on what you can do rather than the exact results that you want.”

Casey Dawson: “Everyone has their own Olympics… YOU CAN CHASE ANYTHING you want to be, and if you put in the work, you can do it.”

Connor McDermott-Mostowy: “I’m a firm believer in CREATING DISCIPLINE … Do what has to be done even when it’s not the thing you want to do the most.”

These are the kinds of positive messages that can make a lasting difference in the lives of young students. We’re grateful for these U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team role models who care to share their valuable keys to success with students: Tess Johnson, Jaelin Kauf, Olivia Giaccio, Casey Dawson, and Conor McDermott-Mostowy. We’re cheering you all on in Milano! ❄️

02/14/2026

Grateful to be included in Desert Sun’s coverage of The Champions Volunteer Foundation’s work in the Coachella Valley community.

We’re honored to be among the nonprofit organizations receiving continued support from TCVF, a certified nonprofit associated with BNP Paribas Open.

Because of the foundation’s support, we’re able to help students focus on effort, character, and becoming their personal best.

For this year's Open, individual tickets for qualifying matches on March 1 through March 3 will only be $10, which includes on-site parking.