The Merritt Matrix exists because of the incredible people who believed in our daughter, Merritt.

From the very beginning, the teachers, therapists, and staff around her gave us every tool, resource, and ounce of encouragement we needed to help her thrive. They paved the way for her success - not with grand gestures, but with patience, creativity, and heart.

Every school has them - the people who make a difference in quiet, powerful ways. The ones who show up every day to help students feel seen, supported, and capable of anything.

This season, we’re honoring them through The Thank You Project - a community-driven effort to celebrate the incredible staff who make Thornapple Kellogg and Byron Center such special places to learn and grow.

From teachers and therapists to aides, bus drivers, office staff, and custodians - this project is about recognizing everyone who helps our kids find their confidence and their voice.

Through community nominations, we’ll surprise local school staff with small gestures of gratitude this December - because we believe gratitude can be just as powerful as the voices you help bring to life.

While we’re beginning this year with Thornapple Kellogg and Byron Center, two districts that have been incredible partners in helping us gift communication devices to students, our hope is to grow The Thank You Project into even more schools in the years to come.

Together, we can turn every Echo of kindness into a lasting Voice of gratitude.