David Baptiste, Cypress Bay High School
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 18

School: Cypress Bay High School, Weston

Grade: 12th

Hometown: Davie

Trait: Responsibility
For 18 weeks, Baptiste visited several local elementary and middle schools every day to work with students who were struggling socially, emotionally or academically. He used his experiences as a young boy who struggled with behavioral issues to teach them how to act appropriately and make good choices. Baptiste related to the students in a way that guidance counselors and teachers could not, his teachers said. The students respected him and became extremely fond of him.

Teacher, Shari Bush: "As a linebacker on the Cypress Bay football team, David suffered a severe ankle injury this season, making it very difficult for him to walk. Despite the challenges of getting around and using crutches, he still came to school every day so that he could travel to the schools to meet with the kids that he helped. In my opinion, David showed a tremendous amount of character for turning his life into something so positive and making a difference in these kids' lives."

Aunt, Nancy Baptiste-Faran: "I did not give birth to him, but [my husband and I] have had him since he was 8 years old. There is joy in knowing that we have raised such a wonderful human being. Someday he will do something big!"

David Baptiste: "I was hand-picked for this program and since I needed to be here every day, I didn't want to let the kids down. The kids were so happy to see me; I did not want to disappoint them."

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.