For decades, Mister Rogers has stood as a symbol of warmth and familiarity. When he first began broadcasting Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in 1968, his face quickly became one that viewers across the U.S. recognized and adored. Through his gentle approach, he taught the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding, leaving a lasting impact on generations of children and adults alike.
At South Dade, we have our very own eccentric, outspoken, and ‘Cubanaso’ version of Mister Rogers. Israel ‘Papo’ Mansur has become an integral part of our school community, embodying the same kindness, warmth, and genuine interest in others that Fred Rogers himself did. Having visited nearly every classroom on campus, Papo greets students by their first and last names, making them feel personally welcomed and valued. However, his connection to students goes beyond surface-level interactions; for years, he’s maintained running jokes with countless students, forming relationships that feel both deep and enduring.
But Papo’s contributions don’t stop there. His sense of empathy even shines in his tangible acts of kindness that make a real difference in students’ lives. He is known for purchasing senior event tickets for those in need, ensuring that every student, regardless of financial background, has the opportunity to participate in school traditions. This thoughtful gesture is a reflection of his attitude, allowing more students to make timeless memories of their years at South Dade.

Papo’s warm presence isn’t just felt by the students who have been here for years; he’s a comforting figure for new students and old students alike. The famed “Papo Pics” Instagram account is flooded with countless photos featuring Papo with both active students and alumni. The account has since garnered nearly 2,000 followers with 1,000 posts starting in just 2022! The face behind the account, however, isn’t Papo. Rather, it is junior Edgar Martinez. “I started it because when I’d be in the hall, people would yell ‘Papo!’ So many people had funny Instagram pages back then, and I wanted to start one about him,” Edgar said. The account follows all South Dade students so that they can send in their very own ‘Papo Pics.’ “It shows his character. People wouldn’t be sending so many pictures to the account if they didn’t love him. Papo told me that when students send pictures to the account, it’s like his family is interacting with him,” Edgar said.
Much like Mister Rogers, Papo doesn’t just greet the students—he sees them. He recognizes their struggles, their triumphs, and everything in between. His actions and words create a ripple effect of kindness and connection that can be felt throughout the entire school community. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, Papo’s authenticity and compassion offer a sense of belonging to everyone around him.
While Papo may favor a scooter and a megaphone over a cardigan or a trolley, his impact is no less profound. He is the embodiment of the spirit of Mister Rogers—one that reminds us all of the simple yet powerful truth: kindness changes lives.

/br

This story was written before Papo’s car accident that will have him away from South Dade for the rest of the year. We wish him a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him back.