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 November.
Channing Adams
Wilson's Mills Elementary - 1st grade
Perseverance - Working hard and not giving up
Perseverance can be defined as the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges, and keep on going despite the difficulties. It is an important life skill that leads to overall success socially, academically, and in the work environment. Channing Adams has worked hard, and although faced some challenges, he took the risks and overcame the obstacles.
In addition, he demonstrates great relationship skills, and is the kind of child who includes others regardless of their capabilities, language skills, or appearance. With his joyful and charismatic smile, he is always open to new friendships and welcomes anyone into his group.
Adams is always cheerful and helpful to his classmates and teachers, while being a superb role model to his peers. A boy whose heart is filled with compassion, love, and respect, Adams makes a lasting impression with everyone he meets.
Aliyah Hemans
Cooper Elementary - 5th grade
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Aliyah Hemnas is a 5th grade student at Cooper Academy. She is an enthusiastic learner who challenges herself, and her peers, to perform in the classroom at the highest academic level. While working hard to grow as a student, Hemans is engaged in her assignments each day.
She leads by example, consistently coming to class prepared, completing all of her assignments, staying on task, and serving as a mentor to students who are struggling with classwork. Cooper Academy is fortunate to have students like Hemans who demonstrate 100% effort to grow as a student, and as a person.
She consistently demonstrates responsibility inside and outside of the classroom! Cooper Academy looks forward to hearing about Hemans accomplishments in the future, as nothing will hold her back from achieving her goals.
Melanie Trudnos
East Clayton Elementary - 5th grade
Respect - Understanding that all people have value
Melanie Turdnos embodies the trait of respect in her interactions with peers and teachers. She consistently displays a genuine willingness to listen to others, value diverse perspectives, and treat everyone with kindness and consideration.
In the classroom, she actively engages in discussions that promote an inclusive environment, where every voice is heard and respected. She takes the time to understand the viewpoints of her classmates, even if they differ from her own, and responds with empathy and open-mindedness.
Trudnos also excels in her academic pursuits, which is another testament to her respect for the educational process. Her commitment to learning and achieving high standards in coursework reflects a deep respect for the opportunities and resources provided by East Clayton Elementary school. Trudnos' commitment to respect goes beyond mere politeness, it is a fundamental part of her character.
Jose Guerrero Pernia
West Clayton Elementary - 5th grade
Perseverance - Working hard and not giving up
Jose Guerrero Pernia is a great example of perseverance, integrity, responsibility, self discipline, and compassion. He always shows respect to his teachers and classmates, and is a student who stops to help others. He also steps up to participate in group discussions.
Guerrero Pernia is a well-rounded student, who has a love for learning. He will take ownership if he ever makes a mistake, and is proud of himself when he masters a skill. His love for learning is contagious, and he takes pride in his work and relationships .
He loves being at West Clayton Bulldog, and says the best thing about the school is all of his teachers. Guerrero Pernia wants to be a soccer player when he grows up, but if that doesn't work out, he would like to be a banker because he loves math!
Ally Grace Smith
Clayton Middle - 8th grade
Integrity - Being honest in all things
Ally Grace Smith is an exceptional student, who embodies the meaning of integrity. As an 8th grade student, she can be trusted to do the right thing everytime. She is a self starter, and is motivated to do her very best. Smith is respected by her friends and teachers because she always tells the truth, and she encourages others to always do the same.
She is involved with various clubs and sports, because she truly believes in being a well-rounded student. Her teachers have said the following statements about her: “Each day Ally Grace comes into class, ready to work! She is always kind and focused. Ally Grace is very diligent and honest when it comes to doing work. Ally Grace is a role model for all students."
Hannah Tolentino
West Johnston High - 11th grade
Respect - Understanding that all people have value as human beings
Hannah Tolentino is a West Johnston High junior who consistently respects her peers and the school staff. She is generously serving her community as Miss West Johnston. Tolentino goes above and beyond what is required of her.
Recently, she coordinated a school supply drive for the teachers and staff at our school. Currently, she is developing "Teen Talk Tuesdays" in the media center to help students improve their self-confidence and well-being.
In academic and social settings, Tolentino always makes sure that everyone is included, and she is truly a genuine person. She is involved in many West Johnston High School activities, including athletics, fine arts, and the Wildcat News broadcast. Whenever someone mentions her name, you hear positive and sweet comments about her.
Junias Lunsford
Clayton High - 12th grade
Self Discipline - Doing your best in all situations
Junias Lunsford is an integral part of the Comets family. He is a student government representative, and is president of the Comet Ambassadors. This program helps to integrate new students into the world of high school with activities that include all students. Lunsford was also a State Representative at the DECA convention last year, heading up the screening and nomination process to be used by the entire state.
Additionally, Lunsford helped with the development of a debate club that started his junior year. Being the events coordinator for the Student Government has proven successful during homecoming week. He attended Boys’ State this past summer and is currently interning at a law firm in the area. Junias Lunsford, as anyone can see, is an exemplary student and young man who has a bright future ahead.