Pablo Alva
1st Grade
Chantilly Elementary

Kathy Morrow says that Pablo had difficulty when he came to Charlotte in May of 1999, because he knew very little English. Over the summer, Pablo attended summer school and now speaks in complete sentences, knows most of his letters, and many of his math skills. Pablo has also become a buddy to a fellow student who lost the use of one of her arms. He took the initiative to help her in the cafeteria and throughout the day with necessary items.

Caitlin Atwell
4th Grade
Nathaniel Alexander Elementary

Melissa Engelken says that Caitlin is looked upon by her peers as being responsible, friendly, and a role model in school. She is also a member of a Girl Scout Brownie Troop. Caitlin once saved a toddler from falling out of a stroller, and she is very helpful in her neighborhood by assisting with the recycling program and moving boxes.

Reggie Cornelius
6th Grade
Northwest School of the Arts

Teacher Star Barnett-Jones says that eighty dollars had fallen out of her pocket one day in class and she didn’t realize it. Reggie found the money and immediately brought it to her. Some of the students called Reggie crazy for turning it in, but Reggie just smiled and said that it didn’t belong to him.

Ryann Griffith
3rd Grade
Paw Creek Elementary

Ryann is a burn victim and has suffered many skin grafts on one leg. His classmates teased and made fun of him numerous times while he had to wear a protective stocking last year. Now that the stocking has been removed, Ryann still experiences taunting and unkind remarks from the students. Despite all of this, Ryann is determined to participate in the physical activities with the rest of the class and tries very hard to do it well despite his physical limitations and serves as an excellent role model to others.

William Haigler
3rd Grade
First Ward Elementary

William is very active in his community through his church. In the past year he has spent time with the elderly delivering flowers and visiting with them, participated in the “World Hunger Attic Sale”, served as historian for his church’s centennial celebration, helped to renovate the putt putt course at the church, and rode his bicycle in a 5k race to help raise money for the American Red Cross. He is a child who consistently “Does the Right Thing”.

Amanda Jones
2nd Grade
Reedy Creek Elementary

While shopping with her mother at Wal-Mart, Amanda found an envelope containing three hundred dollars cash. She immediately took it to store personnel and turned it in. Amanda showed honesty and responsibility in her actions.

Andrea Kamara
5th Grade
Sterling Middle

Recently a kindergartner was discovered missing after school. Andrea went to the Principal, Police Officers, and the missing child’s mother and gave valuable information in the search for the child. The child was found two-and-a-half hours later safe and unharmed. Andrea has now volunteered to watch the child and to make sure that the child gets off at the right bus stop and makes connection with the daycare van.

Kelsey Newman
5th Grade
Tuckaseegee Elementary

BettyJo Russell describes Kelsey as a dedicated student with a positive attitude who is also caring, good natured, helpful, and respectful to others. Kelsey is an honor roll student as well as a member of the Girl Scouts where she has participated in Toys for Tots and Loaves and Fishes at her Church. She helps with her two grandmothers who are both physically handicapped and require special care. Kelsey is always willing to lend a hand in any situation.

Tekewon Smith
4th Grade
Sterling Middle

Kewon was another student who contributed to the safe return of the missing kindergartner recently. Kewon gave helpful information by phone and at the search scene to the principal, police officers, and the missing child’s mother. Kewon volunteered to help watch the child to make sure the child gets off at the right bus stop and makes connection with the daycare van.

Tequella Walker
5th Grade
Tuckaseegee Elementary

Teacher Crista Coffman says that Tequella is generous, sensitive, and a very responsible student. She comes to school each day with a smile on her face and the students love to be around her.  She is very active in the school Technology Club, as well as various church activities including trash pickup, planting flowers, and visiting nursing homes in her community. Recently, she helped to provide for the flood victims. She is an outstanding citizen.

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