Amilcar Pinol: Olsen Middle School
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 11

School: Olsen Middle School, Dania Beach

Grade: Sixth

Hometown: Dania Beach

Trait: Kindness
Amilcar makes time to tutor his peers who need help. He has a compassionate ear for students experiencing problems at home or school, his teacher said. He helps new students with their transition, and he does so with a pleasant demeanor.

Teacher, Candace Beeber: "His enthusiasm is contagious and his ability to work with a variety of peers and people in the community is greatly appreciated."

Parent, Max Pinol: "I feel wonderful because I like it when my son helps some kids. For me, it is very good."

Amilcar Pinol: "It feels really good. I get a good feeling when I help someone who is new to the school. I know that later on it's going to pay off."

This is one in a series of stories on students who best exemplify the Broward County School District's eight character education traits -- cooperation, responsibility, citizenship, kindness, respect, honesty, self-control and tolerance -- and patriotism as part of all eight.

C. Ron Allen can be reached at crallen@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7917.