Celebrating strong character

Year-end awards honor students’ everyday good deeds

Haylee Robinson’s ability to lend everyone a helping hand makes her a Character Counts! winner. The fifth-grader, from Chapel Trail Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, is one of 41 students selected for the Broward County Public Schools year-end award recognition program.

Students will be honored 7 p.m. May 2 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s group representing the 2015-16 school year display a diverse array of role model-worthy deeds.

This marks the 16th year for the character awards.

“These individuals were selected because of their extraordinary demonstration of good deeds and admirable acts in always choosing to do the right thing,” said Kimberly Young-Oliveras, character education coordinator for Broward County Public Schools.

Haylee was recognized by her school for her acts of kindness, which range from comforting a crying kindergartner to assisting with a canned goods drive for needy families. As captain of the school’s safety patrol, Haylee’s other acts include helping a student with a medical condition get to class in the morning. While other patrols are available, the student is comfortable with Haylee and waits for her.

“She is a very special young lady, with a wonderful heart,” said Geraldine Casanova, a school counselor at Chapel Trail.

Haylee believes in making a difference and credits her parents for inspiration: “They taught me to help others whenever I can.”

Hazel Burnside, a fifth-grader from Tradewinds Elementary School in Coconut Creek, is also being lauded for exhibiting care to others - from helping a classmate with special needs during a dance routine to exhibiting leadership qualities in the classroom. Hazel has a loving spirit and an awesome personality, said her mother, Priscilla Castillo.

“I am happy and honored to give back,” Hazel said. “When I do these deeds others learn and engage and they are inspired to do the same.”

Alexa Luboff, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, is a role model, too. Her positive vibes have gained her the reputation of being trustworthy and honest.

“She’s always the first one to offer assistance,” said Sarah Rizzo, a social studies teacher. “She will stand up and do the right thing, even if it means she is standing alone. She is always working to better herself and the people around her.”

Alexa credits her upbringing, which has taught her to uphold integrity in all aspects of life.

“I wish more than anything to make my family, and especially my parents, proud,” she said. “I also want to be proud of myself by upholding a character that best helps me contribute positively and memorably to society .”

There’s also Sophia Cury, of Tequesta Trace Middle School in Weston, who hands out gift cards from Dunk in’ Do nuts to all the custodians every holiday. The eighth--

grader personally delivers the presents with a handshake, a smile and holiday cheer.

“To watch the custodians’ faces light up as this young lady acknowledges their hard work with a token of love and appreciation is priceless,” said Julie Sikorski, a peer counseling coordinator for Tequesta Trace.

Sophia is also a two-year peer counselor. She has always gone above and beyond in every community project. This year, the studentswere to make Cougar Cares packages, which are large resealable storage bags with water, granola bars, protein bars, mints, gum, and personal care items to give out to the homeless in Broward County. Sophia showed up on the day the project was due with 12 bags completely filled and words of encouragement written on the outside of each bag for the recipients, Sikorski said.

“When I do these deeds, I get happy and excited all the at thesametime,” Sophia said. “I always get excited to see the other people’s reactions and I become happy when I realize that someone else is happy for this, too.”

For Michelle Lidsky, volunteering is part of her everyday life. The excitement of performing a selfless act never goes away, said Michelle, a senior at Atlantic Technical High School in Coconut Creek and president of the school’s NationalHonor Society.

“Michelle is unassuming, yet takes on so much responsibility to help make sure the National Honor Society events and activities are successful,” said Laura Talavera, National Honor Society sponsor. “I havenever seen her be anything but kind and helpful to her fellowstudents, even whenIknowshe is stressed and anxious herself.”

Anyone who is kind enough to help others can start a chain reaction, Michelle said.

“Knowing that I can spend my time helping someone else and notwasting it on myself feels incredible because I know that I can make a difference,” she said.