In Cindi Baker’s social studies class at Davis Drive Middle School,

students research the lives of famous North Carolinians and study their

accomplishments.

But just as important, Baker says, her students in the Cary school

learn about the strength of character behind those achievements: the

perseverance that propelled Michael Jordan to the top of the NBA, the kindness that

led Elizabeth Dole to become president of the American Red Cross. “I’m

not just teaching the subject matter,” Baker said. “I’m teaching them how to be good

people.” For her it is a commitment to molding children into good citizens as

well as good students.

– Jonathan Goldstein