Ana Sotillo: Tequesta Trace Middle School
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 13

School: Tequesta Trace Middle School, Weston

Grade:Seventh

Hometown:Weston

Trait: Kindness
Ana Sotillo operates the school store and collects printer cartridges to recycle as a fundraiser at her school. She leads the school in reciting the "Peace Pledge" on the school's morning newscast. She also volunteers with the Weston Miracle League, a baseball league for children with disabilities.

Teacher, Carolyn Sant Angelo: "Ana sets a wonderful ex ample of the positive effect one person can have in a school environment, with her own siblings and in the greater community by helping others."

Parent, Carolina Diaz Sotillo: "We keep learning from her every day. She is an example for all in the family with her dedication to everything she does, her interest in all that surrounds her, especially the people around her."

Ana Sotillo: "A good action, no matter how minute, will help the world."

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.