10-year-old pupil is role model for peers

Macy Brinson isn't ashamed to say she's a Christian; in fact, she announces it proudly for all to hear.

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"I'm a big Christian," the 10-year-old said. "I pray every night, and when I do something wrong, I ask God to forgive my sins."

Her Christian beliefs are just one thing that sets Macy apart from her peers. Those who know her say she's always willing to lend a helping hand. Macy says doing so brings about a sense of peace.

"It makes me feel better inside, like completed," said the Martinez Elementary fifth-grader, who is the daughter of Charles and Cathy Brinson, of Martinez. "I want people to look up to me."

Janell Smith, one of Macy's teachers at Martinez Elementary, says Macy is a role model in many ways.

"Macy is a compassionate child. She is always willing to work with the student who needs extra help or stand up for someone who needs a friend," Smith said.

Macy counts the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who vehemently led a boycott against segregation, as one of her role models.

"He could speak his mind," she said. "He was a very smart man."

Macy said that besides wanting to be a role model herself, she also aspires to be a pharmacist, make lots of money and support her family.

"I'm the kind of girl who wants a good job," said Macy, who serves as president of her class' 4-H chapter.

"I want a good job so I can survive."

Smith said "Macy is a genuinely curious learner who wants to know all she can about a subject. She is a delightful young lady with great leadership potential."