5th Grader Paul Mang A Power Leader at Tuscaloosa’s Southview Elementary

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE: Townsquare Media is partnering with Tuscaloosa City Schools, Child Abuse Prevention Services and the Tuscaloosa Police Department to highlight and recognize one Inspiring Excellence Student Of The Month from each of the 21 schools in the district during the 2024-2025 school year. Every month, a few outstanding TCS students will be highlighted in this series until an award is presented at every school.

The kindness of a 5th grader at Southview Elementary School earned him recognition that only one student there gets each year.

Paul Mang was named the school's Inspiring Excellence Student in a small ceremony with his class, teachers and principal in the school cafeteria last week. His parents were also able to attend and congratulate Mang on the achievement.

"Paul is kind and respectful to all classmates and adults in the building," wrote principal Ronika Amerson. "He has a love for learning and comes to class each day eager to learn something new. He is an engaged participant and takes ownership of his learning."

"Paul is truly a joy to teach! He greets each person he meets with a smile and a kind word. Serving as an ambassador for our school for the second year in a row, he is a fantastic example of a Southview Scholar Power Leader," Southview staff said. "He’s a friend to all, a helping hand to anyone in need, and a bright light in each room he enters!"

Get our free mobile app

Mang received the award from the Big Dawg Dre Day, a DJ on Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa's radio stations, who also recorded a message from the 5th grader to be played on air this month.

"I've been trying to be the first in my class since I first got to school," Mang said in an interview after hugging his parents. "I listen and be responsible. When others talk, I let them talk. I respect them like I treat my parents. Whenever they need help, I help them by giving the information they need to solve their questions."

Mang said outside of school, he helps his brothers with their homework and when he's an adult, he wants to be a scientist - one who studies dinosaurs, if he has any say in the matter.

"I think they're unique and interesting," he said.

Congratulations to Paul, and for features from the other 20 or so Tuscaloosa City Schools this academic year, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.