Character Education is a priority for Johnston County Public Schools. Through a variety of means, schools in the district promote character education through rewards, bulletin boards, presentations, and interactive lessons. Each month the Johnston County Board of Education recognizes students who have demonstrated good character. Below are the students recognized for September.
Harper Benson
Polenta Elementary - 5th grade
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
New to Polenta this year, Harper Benson shines brightly, and has already made a big impact on her teachers and peers. She is always willing to help, and looks for ways to encourage others. Even though she is new to Polenta, she stepped up to help a student who came after the year started. Benson was not asked to do this, but took it upon herself as she saw the need of another. Every day, she asks she can help her teachers in the classroom to lighten their load. Benson is respectful and polite as she interacts with all around her.
Taylor Hyman
Swift Creek Middle - 7th grade
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
From the moment Taylor Hyman joined Swift Creek Middle School, he has demonstrated many positive character traits, from respect, to perseverance, to compassion. During group activities, he includes others that may not have a partner, and offers assistance for those struggling with classwork by offering assistance. He maintains a positive outlook, and loves to be in the classroom. He is always happy, and has kind things to say even in tough situations.
Talon Brown
Cleveland High - 12th grade
Perseverance - Working hard and not giving up
Talon Brown is a shining example of unwavering perseverance. While on his path to success, he has faced many challenges however he has continued to push himself both academically and athletically. He has maintained a high grade point average while taking challenging courses. Talan never wavered in his determination to achieve his goals. He serves as Student Council President this year.
Brown shows lots of initiative daily, as he is always reaching out to other students and teachers. As a member of the Ram’s Varsity Basketball team last year, he worked hard to perform to the best of his ability at all times. Brown's commitment to stay focused and resilient has allowed him to achieve success as a student at Cleveland High. He embodies the essence of perseverance, proving that with the right mindset and determination, one can conquer anything that life throws their way.
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Lesly Sanchez Gomez
Cleveland Elementary - 5th Grade
Character Trait - Self Discipline - Doing your best in all situations
Lesly Sanchez Gomez has truly been the epitome of self-discipline since becoming a student at Cleveland Elementary. Due to having recently immigrated from Honduras with her family, she knew very limited English. Being in a new country, home, and school presented many obstacles including learning a foreign language, being around a lot of unfamiliar people, adapting to a new culture, and learning new practices not only in school, but in the community.
Even though she has faced many challenges, Gomez has shown so much self-discipline and commitment to learning English, actively participating in school, building relationships with school staff, and making friends. Her teachers could not be more proud of her determination and success. Through it all, Gomez has remained motivated to grow both academically and socially. Most of all, she has done this with a positive attitude and smile every single day.
Aidan Struve
Cleveland Middle - 8th Grade
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
Aiden Struve embodies the essence of fairness and compassion. He possesses the remarkable ability to treat everyone with equal consideration and care. His unwavering commitment to ensuring no one feels excluded is genuinely commendable. He extends an organic welcome and helping hands to his peers collaboration and friendship.
Additionally, honesty and trustworthiness are pillars of Struve's character. When entrusted with a task, you can rest assured that it will be completed meticulously and precisely. He does not hastily assign blame, but approaches situations with a balanced perspective.
Moreover, Struve's belief in giving everyone a fair chance and advocating for equal opportunities is commendable. He firmly believes in equal access and ensuring no one is unfairly disadvantaged. His dedication to these values makes him a remarkable individual who fosters fairness, compassion, and inclusivity in every aspect of his life.