Asher Spaulding: Bayview Elementary School
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 10

School: Bayview Elementary School, Fort Lauderdale

Grade: Fifth

Hometown: Plantation

Trait: Kindness
Asher Spalding is the classic example of a gentleman, his teachers say. He is exceptionally polite and kind to everyone and he's always willing to let others go ahead of him. He never forgets to say "Please" and "Thank you" and he is the first to ask, "May I help you?"

Teacher, Nancy Zloch: "Consequently, he is one of the best students in the class. I pray he goes through life continuing his outstanding behavior."

Parent, Paula Balezentis: "I am always proud of my son but a recognition for character makes that pride overflow. It's great if your child gets straight A's or excels on a sports field, but to be honored for being respectful certainly warms a mother's heart."

Asher Spalding: "I am very excited. I guess it's in my personality [to do the things I do."


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.