As a mother of two and the Director of Philanthropy at Lexington Public Library, Paige Halpin Smith believes public institutions strengthen communities. That is one reason KET is a cornerstone of her family’s life.

“We are a KET family,” says Smith. During the pandemic, Sesame Street became part of her family’s routine. “We would wake up, go for a walk and come back in time to watch an episode,” she says. Since then, KET and PBS KIDS have remained trusted resources in her household: “When I think about trusted institutions and places that I can go for reliable information, KET is one of the first sources.”

KET’s programming teaches children the values of kindness, curiosity and empathy. Smith says she has watched those lessons emerge in the interests her children take beyond the screen. “PBS KIDS helps instill curiosity in a non-combative way. With shows like Molly of Denali, my kids learn about a part of the world we’ve never been to, and now they’re planning trips we want to take as a family.”

When I think about trusted institutions and places that I can go for reliable information, KET is one of the first sources.

Paige Halpin Smith

Smith and her family attended KET’s Be My Neighbor Day event at the Marksbury Branch of the Lexington Public Library. “It’s in a diverse neighborhood, bringing kids together to celebrate community and meet Daniel Tiger,” she says.

Be My Neighbor Day brings Daniel Tiger’s lessons about kindness to life by introducing kids to neighbors and activities that teach the importance of giving back. Smith says the event has helped her children understand service and neighborliness.

Smith’s most memorable moment from Be My Neighbor Day was watching her children put together care packages for Lexington’s unhoused community: “I thought they would make one, and instead they did it many times because it felt easy, accessible and they knew they were giving back. Since then, we have had conversations about how we can support people in need.”

As a parent and a community leader, Smith hopes every child grows up knowing the values of learning, helping others and being a good neighbor – lessons that do not end when the television is turned off.