Real character

December 14, 2007 

Potential Youth Foundation, a local organization that promotes sports, fitness, and character, handed out its initial Outstanding Character Award Thursday night, with Tanglewood Middle School eighth grader Sameia Robinson selected as the award's first-ever recipient. 

The event was held at the Carolina First Center as part of a Coaches 4 Character series sponsored by Potential Former University of Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr was the evening's main speaker and present the award to Robinson. 

"The award is based on exemplary character," said Potential's Greg Blatt. "It is a young person who may show kindness, or has overcome tough times. or has overcome a handicap. It may be generosity or teamwork, but it has to be a person respected by his or her peers." 

Tanglewood Middle was chosen as the school for the recipient, and after receiving her award, Robinson drew the next school out of a hat, with J.L. Mann High School being chosen for the next award on Jan. 31. Blatt will be confined to Greenville County schools, alternating between middle and high schools. 

Tanglewood principal Dennis Dotterer, who along with Tanglewood's guidance counselor, student council, and athletic director chose the winner, said Robinson was a perfect choice. 

"Sameia is just the epitome of what character is and what we want all of our students to be," Dotterer said. "She is hard-working, she is an overachiever and has the admiration of all of her peers. She typifies exactly what we want out of a student." 

Robinson, who participates in volleyball, basketball, dance, student council, and the morning news show at the school and wants to be a prenatal nurse, said she was honored. 

"I was excited and happy when I heard about the award," Robinson said. "I am happy to know that they actually watch me and take pride in what I do,"

By: David Hood -- Greenville News