Aaliyah Ross has a lot of bright ideas.

As a member of the Salisbury High School Painting Hearts Club she is the brainchild behind the latest project focused on using artistic skills to spread positivity and joy throughout the community.

Her idea to decorate coffee sleeves with positive messages can go a long way to brighten someone’s day. Each sleeve is colorfully decorated by club members and will be distributed to local coffee shops so customers seeking a caffeine boost will receive an extra shot of positivity to take with them and hopefully pass on the good vibes to others.

This is the first year for the Painting Hearts Club and according to Ross it is the only art based club at the school that focuses on community outreach. Earlier this year the club donated key chains, magnets and thank-you cards for the Lehigh Valley Humane Society to hand out to people who adopt pets. The club wanted new pet parents to know that adopting a pet is appreciated and saves lives.

Club adviser Laura Dos Santos remarked the students generated all the ideas for club projects which have included assisting the Student Government Association with pre-prep rally face painting and decorating posters for a Veterans Day celebration.

Ross already has some big ideas for next year drawing inspiration from her mother’s work in a pediatric cancer unit noting that the hospital is not a fun place for kids. Her plan is to paint pictures using bright colors and positive imagery to decorate rooms and hallways in hospitals and mental health facilities to lift spirits and encourage patients in their healing journey.

“It’s amazing what little things can do!”

Well said Aaliyah!