Noah Piderit: Manatee Bay Elementary School, Weston
By C. Ron Allen
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Age: 7

School: Manatee Bay Elementary School, Weston

Grade: Second

Hometown: Weston

Trait: Kindness
Some students on the school bus were being mean to the autistic boy. They would not allow him to sit by them because he is different, the boy told the teacher. They also put their feet on the chair and said that the seat was taken when he tried to sit down. Noah overheard the boy and said, "I think you are on my bus. You can sit with me. I will save a seat for you every day so you don't have to be sad."

Speech-language pathologist, Keri Kaplan: "I told [Noah's] teacher about that so she could let him go to the treasure box and get whatever, and she told me, 'He is always willing to help out other students that need help in understanding a skill in math.' It seems to be a pattern for Noah to do that."

Parent, Tamra Piderit: "I was not surprised after hearing what Noah did for the little boy on the bus. Noah is a very warm and caring person that worries about the people around him. We try to teach Noah that what makes people special are the differences they have. We are very proud of him that he is willing to stand up for what he believes is right, even when others are doing the wrong thing."

Noah Piderit: "He had no friends, so I offered to let him sit next to me cause I am a nice kid [and] 'cause I always help people." Noah said he helps his peers, "'cause if they need help and I know how to do it, I help them. It makes me feel good and happy."

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.