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 February, 2024.
Olivia Matthews
4th Grade - Benson Elementary
Dependability - Keeping your promises
Olivia Matthews is a well-rounded student who exhibits great interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. She is a high achiever who continues to perform in an outstanding manner throughout the school year. Not only is Matthews academic performance outstanding but her patient, compassionate, relentless and selfless demeanor can be observed while assisting other students to understand concepts.
Matthews' calm and assertive personality has also earned her the title of class monitor, a job where she performs daily tasks to assist with the general function of the class. Her ability to complete given tasks with little or no supervision while maintaining a high level of discipline without bias, has proven that she is dependable and responsible. Matthews is a natural leader and an example to others.
Evan Gray
7th Grade - Benson Middle
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Evan Gray demonstrates compassion towards his peers, teachers, and coaches inside the classroom and out on the sport fields. A 7th grader, he is a distinguished leader at Benson Middle School. He encourages his peers to do well, and offers help when needed.
Gray treats everyone with respect, and with a kind heart. Showing compassion is an integral part of who he is, shown through interactions with others as well as behaviors throughout the school.
Winning or losing, Gray is a leader and motivates his teammates to press on in adversity. He is reliable and dependable holding himself, and those around him, accountable in a positive and caring manner. Gray's presence makes a positive difference on those around him.
Kylie Murray
5th Grade - Four Oaks Elementary
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
Kylie Murray has a very positive attitude. She is always willing to help others, and goes above and beyond to include those around her and make them feel special. She is mannerly, and is equipped with an outgoing personality.
Quick to offer peers and staff a smile, Murray continues to make an impact on her former teachers with smiles, hugs, and words of encouragement. She even asks staff about their family!
Her enthusiasm for school contributes to her success as a student. Murray is motivated to learn and gives her best academically. Currently, she is flourishing in her role as a member of the Four Oaks Elementary School Safety Patrol. She greets younger students with warmth and even helps them tie their shoes!
Lainee Everette
8th Grade - Four Oaks Middle
Self-Discipline - Doing your best in all situations
In recognition of Lainee Everette's exceptional qualities, she has been selected as the character trait that best encapsulates her unique combination of talents, and that trait is self-discipline.
This attribute permeates every aspect of Everette's life, from her academic pursuits to her extracurricular activities. As a member of the Four Oaks Middle School Cheer Team, Track Team, Student Government, and Beta Club, she consistently gives her all, exceeding expectations in every role.
Everette's unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in every project she undertakes, whether it's leading her team to victory on the track, or spearheading a community service initiative. She is a shining example of academic diligence, consistently producing work of the highest quality.
Samantha Cabrera Baena
8th Grade - Meadow School
Loyalty - Standing up for friends, family, and country
Samantha Cabrera is the epitome of a loyal friend and student. She is supportive, kind, and extremely patient when a classmate is upset. Many times, she is the voice of reason if there is a disagreement among her peers.
Cabrera Baena is mature, and handles difficult situations with an amazing amount of grace. A diligent student who takes pride in her work, she is always willing to assist teachers and other students when needed.
She is the President of the school's Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) club and manages the girls basketball and soccer teams. She is also an active participant in the school’s Reading Buddies Club, which visits a first grade class each week to read with younger students.
Abigayle Pelton
11th Grade - South Johnston High
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Abigayle Pelton exemplifies many strong character traits at South Johnston High. Responsibility is a trait that she exhibits in all of her interactions at the school. Pelton is a positive role model for all students at South Johnston High, and her compassion for others can be seen in and out of the classroom.
Academics are always a top priority for her, and she is an active leader in the IDEAL Academy, FFA, Key Club, SGA and the Varsity Cheerleading Team. Aside from earning A’s in her classes Pelton serves as South Johnston High Key Club’s Vice President and Key Club Division Lieutenant Governor while balancing a part time job. After graduation, Pelton plans to attend college, and pursue a career in agriculture.