Bobby Mathew Pedigo
James E. Bazzell Middle School
Scottsville, Kentucky

Bobby Matthew Pedigo is an 11-year-old student at James E. Bazzell Middle School in Scottsville, Kentucky. 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, Bobby felt sorry for the people that lost their loved ones. Bobby's parents and school both talked to him about the events of September 11th.

Bobby does not think it's possible for one country to bully another county, but he has seen someone being bullied in his school. But, according to Bobby, James E. Bazzell Middle School takes measures to prevent bullying and violence by putting students in Allen Academy.

Bobby 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, Bobby selected Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Courage, Cooperation, Tolerance, Love, Patience, and Self Control.

According to Bobby, his school does not teach him about these character qualities. But Bobby thinks about them and tries to practice them so that he can be a good person.

Bobby enjoys sports teams, and he looks up to and admires his family. At school, his favorite teacher is Mrs. Allen, and his favorite subject is Language Arts. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, and if he could travel anywhere in the world, Bobby would go to Georgia to visit his grandfather.

When he grows up, Bobby would like to be a logger like his father. He is funny and serious, and if he could give students one piece of advice about stopping school violence, Bobby wrote "Control your anger. Talk it out."