Sofia Mora, Parkside Elementary
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 9

School: Parkside Elementary

Grade: Third

Hometown: Coral Springs

Trait: Respect
Sofia is a leader among her peers, running small group discussions with her quiet, yet positive, demeanor. She explains new concepts to others in a very clear and concise manner, her teachers said. The aspiring author and illustrator translates assignments to a new student who does not speak English. She also has helped the student adjust to the new school.

When two students had a disagreement recently and one became very upset and was crying, Sofia quickly acted as the mediator and defused the emotions. She explained to the teacher what had happened and that the girls just had a "big misunderstanding."

Both students said they felt relieved that Sofia helped them work out their problem.

Teacher, Rita Geller: "She is a peace-maker, a problem solver and a very cooperative student. She goes 'above and beyond' in every aspect of the daily school day in her academics and social interactions. She is extremely wise for her young age. She is the quintessential student, and I am honored to have her in my class at Parkside Elementary."

Parent, Monica Mora: "I am very proud of her. It's wonderful that that she is helping her friends. She does so well in school."

Sofia Mora: "I just like to help people. [The girl in my class] can't speak English, and she doesn't understand very much English so she needs help, and so I just like to help people. I feel happy for her. I feel like I did something very nice."


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.