Jason Collazo recommended Brycen Smith to receive a Student Peace Award.  He says, “As the Crisis Resource Teacher at Quander Road School, I have had the privilege of working closely with Brycen both as his Algebra 1 teacher and as his mentor.  Through these roles, I have come to know Brycen as a young man who embodies the principles of peace, empathy, and integrity in everything he does.” 

Dr. George Deneault, a teacher at Quander Road, describes a situation he feels captures Brycen’s character. Brycen heard a confrontation between a staff member and a student brewing.  He asked the teacher if he could talk with the student and help the student see the right approach to communicating with the teacher.  The student responded positively to Brycen’s intervention, and Dr. Deneault believes that Brycen’s intervention avoided what would likely have resulted in a serious disciplinary situation.

Brycen would like to have a career in education, and he plans to take an internship at Edison High School later this spring.  He believes “Tolerance is the first step towards understanding, and is always the path we must walk for peace.”  He feels that a classroom should not just be a place where students read and regurgitate.  Instead, he says he dreams of creating a space where students can talk openly about their lives, beliefs, and goals. He envisions a classroom where students feel safe with one another and with him.

Mr. Collazo summarizes, “Brycen’s impact on our school community cannot be overstated.  His presence brings a sense of stability, compassion, and quiet leadership that makes Quander Road School a better place for both students and staff. Brycen doesn’t seek recognition; instead, he simply does what’s right because it’s who he is.”