Ben Carey: Rickards Middle School
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 14

School: Rickards Middle School, Oakland Park

Grade: 7th

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale

Trait: Kindness
The boys in Ben Carey's class bully the only female student because she is a girl, his teacher said. But Carey has been kind to her and works with her when others won't, the teacher added. He invites her to work with his group, and he speaks to his peers with respect. He is a role model for how to treat others and refrain from bullying.

Teacher, Rachel Greenhawt: "Ben's kindness affects teachers because we know that we can rely on him to help other students without having to request it of him. It puts us at ease knowing there is a student who will show kindness toward students who may be left unnoticed in the large classes of today."

Parent, Barbara Petford: "I like it that he is helping around the school and that he is a good student. I am very proud of him. I hope he [will] never change from how he is now."

Ben Carey: "I am there for her, and I hang out with her because she is one of my friends."

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.