That was evident at Mount View Middle School, where even political foes became fast friends.
"He was really a positive person. He had a great outlook on life," said Michael Schahfer, who had lost to Vincent as school president nearly two years ago and then followed him in the position last year as an eighth-grader.
Kathleen Schahfer said that, despite her son's initial defeat in the school election, "it's very cool when kids wanted to see" Vincent become school president.
Minji Kim, who ran and won as Vincent's vice president, wrote in an e-mail to The Baltimore Sun, "He was a great guy, so sweet too. Everyone adored him, and he was a brave friend! Despite his size, he was normal to us, he was just another friend. We will never forget him."
Vincent was a typical 13-year-old, friends said. He loved playing video games, ice-skating, skateboarding, posting silly dances of himself on YouTube, and singing at church and school functions. He even played basketball.
Most at Mount View remember Vincent zipping around school on his scooter so he wouldn't be late for class. Heather Shields, who worked at the school, said she often held the door for him as he made his way to social studies class, and he would always say, "Thank you."
"If more were like him," Shields wrote in an e-mail, "the world would be a better place."
Unlike some politicians, Vincent followed through on his presidential campaign promise - one of establishing a recycling program at the school. By last fall, every classroom was fitted with recycling bins.
Anita Koehler, the departing president of the school's PTA, said she had met Vincent only once. "He was different, but he was accepted and well-liked," said Koehler, whose daughter was a classmate of Vincent. "Inspirational is a good word to describe him."
"Everyone who knew him, liked him," said Jack Watson, who met Vincent when they got to Mount View.
Pamela Blackwell, student services director for Howard County schools, said that families with children at both Mount View and Marriotts Ridge High School will be notified about Vincent's death, and that grief counselors will be available Monday when a summer program begins at Mount View.
Two Facebook groups with more than 300 members formed in the aftermath of Vincent's death - one called "R.I.P. Vincent Woodward" and the other "We Will All Miss You Vincent."
One of the most poignant postings came from a friend who wrote, "Love you ... miss you ... eighth grade won't be the same."
Responding to requests for remembrances from The Baltimore Sun, Vincent's friends recalled his smiling demeanor and strong attitude, and even those who didn't know him well said he left an imprint.
"He always put a smile on my face whenever I saw him, but I never knew why," said Veronica Twigg. "His personality was bright and sweet and [he] was always nice to everyone."
Summer Akhtar called him a "really great person" and said she and Vincent "hung out in reading a lot and had great conversations."
"He was actually the bravest person i have ever met," said Rachel Lee. "There are many great things he did that really changed Mount View. ... Without him, our school wouldn't be complete."
"I will never forget his last words to me. 'Hey, Rachel. Do you want a piece of gum?' "
