Award Winner

6 - Copy (2)

Sophia Perez

Sixth Grade, Hialeah Gardens Middle

Recently, Sophia noticed one of her friends looked sad and distant. This student was struggling with serious issues at home and in school. As they were walking to class on the second floor, the student proceeded to drop her book bag and place her right leg over the railing saying “no reason to live anymore”. Sophia initially thought that her friend was kidding but quickly realized the severity of the matter. She quickly placed her arm across the student’s chest and told her that she was loved and her friends and family needed her. She then made sure to take the student to get help and appropriate interventions were put into place for the safety of the student. Thanks to Sophia’s compassion and quick thinking, a tragedy was averted and the student was able to receive the assistance she desperately needed.