Hannah Clark: Hawkes Bluff
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 10

School: Hawkes Bluff Elementary, Davie

Grade: Fourth

Hometown:Davie

Trait: Kindness
When Hannah Clark learned about a custodian at her school who is separated from his family in South America and could not afford to go home for the holidays, she held a bake sale and raised $100 to help buy his ticket. Even though she did not meet her goal financially, her kindness shows others how one person can make a difference, her teacher said.

Guidance counselor, Desiree Tanke: "She just has a big heart. Whatever needs to be done, she does it, and she doesn't do it for the attention. She is a very giving person who constantly cares about others."

Parent, Kristeen Clark: "As parents, we model those kind of lessons for them and when you see your children initiate that kind of kindness, you feel like you've done the right thing."

Hannah Clark: "I couldn't stand being away from my family and so I just wanted to help so he could visit his family."


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.