Stacey Mosley
Carl Sandburg Middle School
Levvittown, Pennsylvania
Bucks County Courier Times: "Where Character is 'Cool'"

Stacey Mosley is a 14-year-old student at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Levittown, Pennsylvania. She participated in the MindOH! Foundation's 2002 Character's Cool Contest, and won Athletes for a Better World poster.

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 she felt upon learning about the September 11th attacks, Stacey felt worried. Stacey's parents and school both talked to her about the events of September 11th.

According to Stacey, Carl Sandburg Middle School takes measures to prevent bullying and violence, such as peer mediation groups. Stacey thinks it's important for young people to learn how to manage their anger and resolve conflicts peacefully, and she thinks that it's important to be respectful of others, even when you disagree. Some character qualities Stacey thinks people need to have to reduce violence are: Honesty, Respect, Kindness, Cooperation, Tolerance, Patience, and Self Control.

Carl Sandburg Middle School teaches Stacey about these character qualities by inviting guest speakers. Stacey also thinks about and tries to practice these character qualities on her own. "Everyday, I wake up and look in the mirror and tell myself 'I am going to be a positive influence on the world today'" Stacey wrote.

Stacey enjoys playing the piano, participating in school musicals, playing tennis, and reading.

She admires and looks up to her grandfather. He's lived through a lot and is the wisest person I know," Stacey wrote.

Stacey's favorite teacher is Mrs. Gordon, her 6th grade English teacher. Stacey also enjoys her biology class. "I have a blast in biology with my friends at my table. My favorite subject is bio for that exact reason." When she grows up, she wants to be a biochemist because it's a challenging field.

If Stacey could travel anywhere in the world, she would love to go to Japan. "There's such a different culture I'd love to experience."

If Stacey could give one piece of advice to other students across the United States about stopping school violence, she wrote: "If the situation presents itself that a person is talking to you about hurting others, direct the discussion into the feelings of why and what else they could do.

"If someone is becoming violent or harassing others, if you show disapproval, but don't talk down to them, they'll feel guilty. Keep the peace."

Stacey is organized, quirky, musical, careful, and different. And, she is definitely a positive influence on the world today.