Iowa Middle Schooler Honored For Life-Saving Act Of Kindness

February 4, 2025

Sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can change a life— or even save one.

That’s exactly what happened in Ankeny, Iowa, when middle school student Carter Luetje started a simple conversation with a fellow student.

teen saves peers life with conversation
Carter Luetje / Iowa Local 5 News

What Carter didn’t know at the time was that his classmate had been planning to take his own life. Officials later confirmed that the student had it all planned out, but Carter’s kindness made him reconsider. That moment of connection changed everything.

On Monday night, Carter was recognized for his life-saving gesture during an Ankeny School Board meeting. He was presented with an award that read: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

Humbled by the recognition, Carter told a local news station that he’s simply grateful his classmate is now thriving. His story serves as a powerful reminder that kindness— even in its simplest form— can make all the difference.

Watch the good news video below:


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good storiesShe Meant Every Word Of 'In Sickness And In Health'

feel good storiesMy Friend Threw Her Disabled Cat A Birthday Party In The Park

feel good storiesThe Grade That Saved A Life: A Professor's Unforgettable Act Of Kindness

feel good storiesHummingbirds Are Nesting On String Lights - And People Are Sharing The Cutest Photos

feel good storiesSoaked, Scared, And Alone - Baby Raccoon Melts Hearts After Rescue

feel good videoZoo Visitor Captures Incredible Moment An Elephant Saves A Gazelle From Drowning

feel good videoGolden Retriever Pushes Owner Into Water Causing Hilarious Chaos

feel good videoMan Claims He Can Speak Chicken - And Then Proves It

feel good videoEmu Has An Absolute Blast Playing Chase With Dogs

feel good videoKid's Freestyle Dance To Live Jazz Is Pure Joy — And Viewers Can't Get Enough

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me