Glen Corner was stabbed to death in East Avenue, Harton, South Shields, while celebrating his 16th birthday on August 25.
Just days earlier he'd picked up eight top GCSE results from Harton Technology College.
Grieving Suzanne Corner has been too upset to talk publicly about her son, but today issued a statement on behalf of the family.
She said: "Glen was a loving and caring boy, he was respectful of others and they respected him.
"He doted on his four younger brothers and sister and was always looking out for them.
"Everyone who knew Glen had a great amount of respect for him, he was cool-headed and calm in any situation and never resorted to violence. He certainly wasn't a troublemaker."
She added: "He had just received his GCSE results – eight passes, A* to C, and I am so proud of him.
"His dream was to study engineering at college and I have just found out that he had been having extra lessons to make sure he passed maths.
"He was so thrilled with his results, his ambition was to become a marine engineer.
"He had even built his own mountain bike using pocket money to buy parts and put them together."
Since the tragic death, flowers have mounted at the spot where the popular youngster died.
Mrs Corner, from Wakefield Avenue, South Shields, added: "Glen had a zest for life and he was always making people laugh.
"He had a dry sense of humour and everyone who talks about him says how they used to laugh so much when they were with him.
"We have received so much support from neighbours. We have lived in this area for the past 11 years and a lot of people knew Glen. I would like to thank everyone for their flowers and kind words.
"Glen will be sorely missed by everybody who knew him."
Lee Firman, 18, of Thornholme Avenue, Harton, South Shields, charged with Glen's murder, will appear before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow via videolink.
By DAVID MacLEAN
david.maclean@northeast-press.co.uk