Brian Affleck
Abington Junior High
Abington, Pennsylvania

Brian Affleck is a 15-year-old student at Abington Junior High in Abington, Pennsylvania. He participated in the MindOH! Foundation's 2002 Character's Cool Contest, and won a FOX Sports water bottle.

The Character's Cool Contest was a national contest for middle school students to help stop school violence and to encourage the practice of ethical behavior. Participants completed an online survey about their experiences in the aftermath of Sept 11th, bullying and school violence, and the ethical behavior and character qualities needed to reduce school violence.

When asked about the first emotion he felt upon learning about the September 11th attacks, Brian felt complete shock. "I was so frightened that I felt trapped. I just wanted to find a way to help, but all that I could do was go about my day as usual. Depression followed my shock and made me feel weak and helpless."

Brian's parents and school both talked to him about the events of September 11th. Brian thinks it's possible for one country to bully another county. And, he's seen someone being bullied in his school. But, according to Brian, Abington Junior High takes measures to prevent bullying and violence.

"My school fines those who choose to fight and suspends those involved in fights," Brian wrote.

Brian thinks it's important for young people to learn how to manage their anger and resolve conflicts peacefully, and he thinks that it's important to be respectful of others, even when you disagree. When asked what character qualities he thinks people need to have to reduce violence, Brian selected Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Courage, Love, Patience.

Abington teaches students about these traits "by talking to the students, having conversations with them, to try teach these good characteristics."

And Brian thinks about and tries to practice these character qualities, "by committing myself to being an overall good person. Without these characteristics, one is left to act wrongly to themselves and others. These are important characteristics, and thinking about these qualities everyday is how I contribute and act."

Brian enjoys swimming, lacrosse, art, friends and writing. When asked about an adult he admires, Brian wrote that he looks up to his dad.

"My role model in life is my father. He has worked hard and long to provide for himself and his loved ones. He is very determined and strong willed. I hope that one day I, too, can develop such great character."

Brian's favorite teacher is his old algebra teacher, Mr. Gavin. At school Brian enjoys his art and science classes, and hanging out with friends.

When asked where he would go if he could travel anywhere in the world, Brian would go "everywhere. To see the whole world is a dream of mine. I feel as though unless you see the entire world and all of its beauty, you can't get a complete perspective of it."

Brian is a hilarious, compassionate, intelligent, artistic and beautiful person.

He had one piece of advice to other students across the United States about stopping school violence: "Hatred is an endless cycle, taking control of our lives and hurting the ones we know and love. By committing acts of violence, you are merely fueling this cycle. To truly stop the anger, rage and evil that corrupts the world, we must all unite and take a stand against violence: in our schools, and around our country."