Mark Alexander
Howard M. Phifer Middle School
Pennsauken, New Jersey

Mark Alexander is a 12-year-old student at Howard M. Phifer Middle School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. He participated in the MindOH! Foundation's 2002 Character's Cool Contest, and won an Experience Music Project Prize Pack. He also won an honorable mention for his essay, "Stopping School Violence Through Ethical Behavior."

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, Mark felt shock. Mark's parents and school both talked to him about the events of September 11th. Mark thinks it's possible for one country to bully another country, and he has actually witnessed someone being bullied in his school. According to Mark, Howard M. Phifer Middle School takes measures to prevent bullying and violence. They "give out detentions and internal and external suspensions."

Mark thinks it's important for young people to learn how to manage their anger and resolve conflicts peacefully, and that it's important to be respectful of others, even when you disagree. Character qualities Mark thinks people need to have to reduce violence include Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Cooperation, Tolerance, Love, Patience, and Self Control.

Howard M. Phifer Middle School teaches Mark about these character qualities. They have "morning announcements abut what famous people have said about acquiring virtues, and assemblies to teach character education."

Mark thinks about and tries to practice these character qualities. "I think twice before insulting a fellow student and try my hardest to not hurt anyone physically, mentally, and emotionally."