Minnechaug’s Above the Influence in 2021, helping spread positivity through flowers accompanied by handwritten notes of kindness. The organization has worked with schools in Arizona, Colorado, and Massachusetts to support students’ mental health during challenging transitions in high school. Each participant receives two flowers—one to keep and one to give away—hence the name, Petal It Forward.

The flowers are distributed in memory of Ashley Busby, who died by suicide in 2018. In 2019, her mother, Sarah Busby, founded Petal It Forward to continue sharing the kindness and compassion that Ashley embodied throughout her life.

Ashley was known for reaching out to people who felt isolated or overlooked. Sarah recalls a time when Ashley noticed a girl sitting alone in the cafeteria and chose to sit with her. After Ashley’s passing, that student shared with Sarah that she had been going through a difficult period in her life, and Ashley’s simple act of friendship had made a meaningful difference.

“Not all hurts are evident,” Sarah said. “You have no idea the impact you have with a smile or kind gesture.”

Petal It Forward aims to encourage acts of kindness, promote mental wellness, and remind people that even small gestures can have a lasting impact. Each year, Sarah connects with ATI Club members through a Google Meet session, sharing Ashley’s story and the organization’s mission. She also donates 500 flowers and notecards, which students use to write uplifting messages before distributing them during lunch in the final full week of school for seniors.

As seniors prepare to transition to college and other post-graduation opportunities, they may face uncertainty, stress, and new challenges. The flowers serve as a positive sendoff, offering encouragement during an important life change. More broadly, they are meant for anyone who could benefit from a small act of care, a thoughtful note, or a reminder that they are valued.