Always happy to help others
Tamarac fifth-grader recognized for citizenship skills

By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

When Ashley Vaz completes assignments in her math and reading classes, she often volunteers to help other students with their work.

"It's just the right thing to do," said the fifth-grade student at Tamarac Elementary School.

Her actions have earned Ashley, 10, a reputation as a role model and leader, teacher Dolores Marcus said.

She has also volunteered to file students' graded assignments in their folders, freeing the teacher to do other duties.

"I just like to help. I don't like to be bored," she said.

The student file clerks have to be disciplined and trustworthy because they see other students' grades.

"It feels good knowing that the teacher can trust you," Ashley said of her assignment.

She is a very caring child who enjoys being active, Marcus said.

"She is always willing to be busy whether it's the work that's required of herself [or] to help others," she said.

It therefore did not surprise anyone when Ashley recently was named a South Florida Sun-Sentinel Kid of Character for citizenship in a program that recognizes students in the Broward County school system.

"It's really something nice because you're being recognized for your ... character," Ashley said.
Felicia Ramcharitar was not surprised by her daughter's recognition either. Since she has been at Tamarac Elementary, Ashley has received praise from all her teachers, she said.

"She loves to help, sometimes too much," Ramcharitar said.

Ashley stays busy outside her classroom with extracurricular activities. She is a member of the school's garden club, which teaches students about soil structure, pruning techniques and plant identification.

"It's fun," she said. "We stay after school and clean up and have parties."

The aspiring pediatrician enjoys reading mystery and adventure books in her free time.

She also likes helping her brother, 9, and sister, 7.


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.