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 December, 2024.
Dimitri Carpenter
5th Grade - Pine Level Elementary
Courage - Doing the right thing even when others do not
Dimitri Carpenter is a fifth-grade student who has overcome many physical and mental obstacles in his life at a young age. This is his first year attending Pine Level Elementary School in person, and. he came to school on the first day with a bright smile and an eagerness to learn.
Carpenter has adjusted very well to classroom life. Despite being in a new school and not knowing any of his peers, he jumped right in and has made friends. He is often the one cracking jokes and making others laugh during small group activities or at lunch. Carpenter's positive energy is contagious and lights up the room. He genuinely loves his classes and interacting with his peers, especially at recess. According to Carpenter, lunch and recess are the best part of his day.
Despite facing new challenges daily, he never gives up and is not afraid of learning new things or meeting new people. He is a great friend, student and role model. He puts on a brave face and faces each day with a great attitude. We know he will go the extra mile to conquer any challenge that comes his way in life.
Ana Almaguel Pupo
8th Grade - Clayton Middle
Perseverance - Working hard and not giving up
Ana Almaguel Pupo is from Cuba and she has only been in the US for a year and a half. She is sweet, caring, optimistic and a GREAT classmate. She is always willing to guide, help and tutor other newcomers.
Alamaguel Pupo has not only excelled in the classroom, but her standardized test scores showed her exceptional growth! She is being recognized for perseverance because there are few candidates in our building that have had to literally start from scratch and continue to exhibit excellence in all that she does.
Sydney Daughtry
11th Grade - North Johnston High
Self Discipline - Doing your best in all situations
Sydney Daughtry is an athlete, a scholar, a friend and a leader at North Johnston High. In November, Daughtry was awarded WRAL's Extra Effort Award, representing her school and Johnston County in athletic and academic integrity. She deserves the recognition as she always demonstrates perseverance, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Daughtry is an 11th grade honors student who is taking some classes at JCC. She is a problem-solver like her mom, who is a math teacher at North Johnston High. Daughtry is friendly and kind with everyone...classmates and adults alike. She demonstrates what it is to have Panther Pride and she is a role model for others. Teachers, administrators, and everyone at North Johnston is proud of Daughtry and her accomplishments. We know she will keep doing great things, and has a bright future ahead of her.
Francisco Garcia Ortega
5th Grade - Glendale-Kenly Elementary
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Francisco Garcia Ortega takes initiative in his learning, consistently completing assignments on time, and often going above and beyond what is required. He manages his time efficiently, balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, and always ensures that he meets deadlines.
He takes ownership of his academic progress and is proactive in seeking help when needed, showing maturity and a desire to succeed. Furthermore, Garcia Ortega is respectful of others, demonstrating a strong sense of personal responsibility in all interactions. He treats his classmates, teachers, and school staff with kindness and integrity, always upholding the values of our school community.
Grayden Whitley Foster
8th Grade - North Johnston Middle
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Grayden Whitley Foster truly exemplifies all character traits. He is being recognized for displaying responsibility. Foster is committed to excellence, and is involved in many extra curricular activities while still maintaining Principal’s List. He serves as the National Junior Honor Society President and is captain of the MathCounts team.
Not only does Foster excel in the classroom, but he is a tri-athlete who has been a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. Foster is described as a motivated, dependable, and hardworking student who is kind and respectful.