Sophie Richardson, a 6th grade student at St. Stephens/St. Agnes School, is brightening up the Vauxcleuse neighborhood near Inova Alexandria Hospital with rocks painted with uplifting messages for her neighbors to find.

“I felt like people were a little down during this time and I just wanted to lighten the mood,” said Richardson, who leaves her painted rocks at the base of trees throughout the area. “That’s what inspired me.”