Never underestimate the power of a kind word.

That’s the thinking of students in the Move 2 Stand Club as they waved signs with uplifting messages to motorists driving through downtown McMinnville on Saturday.

“With all that’s going on in the world, to see something good like this can make a real difference,” said Shawn Palombo, guidance counselor at Eastside School. “It’s amazing all the people who have honked and waved. Some people take their hands off the wheel and wave with both hands.”

Move 2 Stand members from Eastside and Centertown participated in the outpouring of happiness. They held signs with messages such as “Dream Big,” “Be the Change,” “Smile,” and “Love Yourself.”

Centertown eighth-grader Kennedi Pegg said her most touching moment of the day came from a lady passing by in a wheelchair.

“I showed her my sign and she said, ‘I really needed that today,’” said Pegg.

Students held up the signs for two hours and said it was a rewarding experience.

Move 2 Stand is an organization that looks to empower students to be leaders to combat negative influences such as bullying and harassment.