Outstanding scholarship, leadership, character and service - those are the qualities Max Dubin, a Palmetto Middle School graduate and Alyssa Toland, who recently completed fifth grade at Pinecrest Elementary, needed to receive the American Legion School Award.

"It feels really good to be recognized when you work hard," said winner Max Dubin. "Middle school was a really good experience. I was able to work on our yearbook and get involved in an Earth Day project." Catherine Lee, a yearbook staff member and President of the Hebrew Club was also an American Legion recipient at the middle school.

A few activities that Max was involved in: Editor-in-chief of the 1999 Alancedor Middle School yearbook for which he won an accolade for outstanding leadership and commitment, a member of the Palmetto Middle School Student Commission for which he was recognized for outstanding service and dedication, and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Max also placed in a district poetry contest and a "Do The Right Thing" and "Importance of Athletics" essay contest. Hey, this guy has a future . . .watch out Palmetto High!

In fact, his proud mom, Gail Dubin, felt that all Max’s involvement has him well prepared for his upcoming high school experience.

"The middle school years can be difficult adjustment time," Dubin explained. "It’s good for Max to be involved in so many positive, character building experiences."

Her son Max agreed: "Working hard, being in positions of leadership and serving my school and community are very important to me," he added.

James Goldberg and Alyssa Toland, daughter of Pinecrest residents Bruce and Barbara Toland, also won the American Legion Award at a Pinecrest Elementary ceremony on June 15.

In his presentation, the South Miami American Legion Post 31 representative stated: "The American Legion School Award is given to those individuals deemed most worthy of the highest qualities of citizenship and true Americanism . . .it is a medal that proclaims to the world that you are the kind of boy and girl that we, the comrades of men who gave their lives in battle, believe worthy of such an honor."

"I am very proud to receive this honor," Alyssa said, "and I hope to live up to the standards of what this award represents."

"To receive such a distinguished award from representatives of our country’s veterans is truly an honor that we will always remember and cherish," Alyssa’s parents added.

Alyssa has received numerous accolades during her career at Pinecrest Elementary, including an award for outstanding achievement in science, for her outstanding qualities as a citizen and for notable academic achievement on SAT tests. She also earned all A1A’s in reading, language arts and music.

A member of the Future Florida Educator’s Association (FFEA), Alyssa also was a member of Pinecrest’s Safety Patrol program, attended the Cosmos gifted program at Howard Drive Elementary School and was a winner of the DARE Essay Contest.

"I would like to be a teacher after I graduate from college," Alyssa said.