It is exciting when we hear of a local youngster doing something really positive.

This week we learned of the heroism of young Lekendrick Woods, who literally ran into a burning house and saved someone’s life. That someone happened to be his brother.

The boy’s home was on fire and Woods escaped from the flames only to realize his 9-year-old brother was still inside. Woods, 11, ran back inside and pulled his brother from the fire.

It was the type of heroism you see in the movies, but in this case, the lifesaving was real and done right here in Selma. It is interesting to note that Woods ran past adults to go into the house and get his brother.

Woods said he did not think about getting burned or the danger that the fire represented. He simply knew he had to get his brother out of the house. He took a huge risk, and made it work.

Recently it’s been noted that police believe crime is up because school is out for summer. That opinion doesn’t shed a very good light on our youth.

Often when we think of our youth and children as a whole, we think of low grades, funny clothes, and kids getting into trouble. But when we take the time to deal with each youngster as an individual, we can often find a lot of good.

Many children are capable of what Woods did. Not everyone gets an opportunity to save a life, but as adults, it is important for us to give children the chance to experience success and the chance to be a hero. That can be done in the classroom, in the home, or on the ballfield.

Woods is an example of the good that is out there. As adults, it is our job to find that good, grow that good, and recognize it.