SIXTH-GRADER ALWAYS READY TO HELP

When someone gets teased on the school bus, Aysha Hency intercedes. When someone falls down on the playground, she summons the nurse. When someone needs help with school work, Hency offers assistance.

In fact, the 12-year-old Hency is always ready to help.

"I was just brought up that way," said the Franklin Elementary School sixth-grader.

Her teacher, Diana Valleroy, says Hency is a "shining star."

A classmate, who had missed several days was struggling to catch up on school work. Hency offered to help. Valleroy said, "We had been trying, and she did it."

She helps when new students arrive at school. "She's always willing to be friends," Valleroy said.

"She's a very compassionate child who is there for anyone who needs her," said Mary LeGrand, who also teaches sixth grade.

"I've never heard her say anything negative about anyone," added Linda Alberson, who works with Hency on Student Council.

She is the Student Council treasurer, a job she volunteered to take when the treasurer moved to another school.

Hency helps out at home with her two younger sisters. She and her family also clean the church gymnasium each Saturday. She also plays the piano at church sometimes.

"I feel good about myself that I'm helping someone," Hency said. "And it makes other people feel good too."