Pupil takes reins as a leader in class

When 11-year-old Alex Weisser moves to a new school, he knows what it's like to be the odd man out. That's one reason why the Stevens Creek Elementary fifth-grader makes an effort to befriend new students in his class.

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"I real- ly just don't like having any enemies," said Alex with a chuckle before he quickly added, "I like helping people out."

Alex said he likes helping other students because he knows how it feels to be a new kid in school. When he was in the first grade, his family moved from Augusta to Columbus. The family moved back to the area when he was in the third grade.

Angela McDaniel, Alex's homeroom and social studies teacher, says Alex is "extremely responsible, caring and attentive to other students and their needs. Alex consistently displays responsible behavior and is a model to others."

The son of Roland "Bud" and Lydia Weisser of Martinez, Alex says that being an instructor for Tae Kwon Do Plus, where he has been a student for the past four years, plays into the leadership role that he assumes at school.

"Leadership comes with it," said the black belt holder.

Alex also loves to read and says adventure, science fiction and traditional literature - Swiss Family Robinson, Robinson Crusoe, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - are his favorite genres. Alex said he'll likely miss the library at Stevens Creek Elementary the most when he moves on to Riverside Middle School next year.

"We'll have to see what kind of library they have at Riverside," he said, adding that he's read most of the books in his elementary school library.

Additionally, Alex enjoys camping and spending time outdoors, which he says is peaceful and quiet.

When Alex isn't camping, playing with his dogs or reading, he can be found playing the hand bells at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on Greene Street in Augusta where he sings in the choir. Alex also assists his father doing maintenance work at the church.

"I like to work with my dad a lot," he said.