PEABODY — As a way to remember and honor Jason Bernard, the 14-year-old Higgins Middle School student who died by suicide last May due to bullying, the Jason Legacy Foundation, alongside Peabody PROMISE and Peabody Public Schools, has begun its first annual Jay’s Cookies: A Recipe for Kindness, an event that combines Jason’s love of baking with a reminder for kids to choose kindness.
Known for his curiosity, ambition, and big dreams, Jason had one hobby that stood above the rest: baking cookies.
“A cup of laughter, one caring smile, a sprinkle of hope, and a whole lot of love — these are the ingredients we want our students to carry with them,” said Cely Rosario, Jason’s sister and the founder of Jason’s Legacy Foundation. “Jay’s Cookies is about more than just a sweet treat; it’s a reminder to every student to choose kindness every single day.”
To honor his life, the Jason’s Legacy Foundation was established to promote mental health awareness, bullying prevention, and community kindness. The foundation provides resources and programs — like Jay’s Cookies — designed to remind students to always choose kindness. By pairing Jason’s favorite hobby with a powerful anti-bullying message, the foundation is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, ensuring that Jason’s memory continues to inspire a world where every student feels seen, valued, and loved.
This cookie gram exchange is coordinated through the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Culinary Arts program and sponsored by the Class of 2029, which would have been Jason’s graduating class.
The culinary students will be baking cookies with Jason’s recipe next week to fulfill the orders put in from now until Friday, April 10. Rosario said using his cookie recipe is a way to keep his memory alive and share happy moments with Peabody students.
Cookies are $1 each, and proceeds will be split between the Class of 2029 and Jason’s Legacy Foundation. Rosario said all funds garnered for the foundation will go toward its scholarship fund.
Each cookie comes with a kindness message, which were finalized by the Class of 2029’s student officers. The four messages people can choose from are: “You’re Appreciated,” “Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today,” “In A World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind,” and “Kindness is Free, Pass It On.”
Additionally, D’Orsi’s Bakery & Delicatessen donated 1,400 cookies to Higgins Middle School students, and each came with a Jay’s Cookies: A Recipe for Kindness sticker.
Rosario said this served as a reminder that “something tragic happened here, but look at how we’re turning something so sad into something positive.” She added that there will be an anti-bullying essay contest for sixth graders next month, and the winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
