At the September 14 Board of Education meeting, we recognized the Buccaneers of the Month for the district! 

Each month, one student from each building is recognized for modeling positive character traits for their fellow students. New for 2026-2027, the recognition will highlight the traits and skillsets that make up the XCS Portrait of a Graduate. 

This month's focus: Responsibility. 

Buccaneers of the Month 

• Ruby Vamos, Xenia Preschool
• Harper Grooms, Arrowood Elementary
• Roen Snyder, Cox Elementary
• Arianna Bynum, McKinley Elementary 
• Zeke Grandlienard, Shawnee Elementary
• Zane Frauman, Tecumseh Elementary 
• Victor Wagner Warner Middle School - Team Courage
• Leven McGillivray, Warner Middle School - Team Ambition 
• Gracie Rosengarten, Warner Middle School - Team Endurance
• Max Greene, Xenia High School 
• Felicity Mitchell, Online Edge 
• Holly Todd, Educator of the Month, Warner Middle School 

Future months will focus on the other traits: perseverance, critical thinking, communications, learner's mindset, and empathy.

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Read more about each nominee below, and see additional photos in the online photo gallery.

Xenia Preschool: Ruby Vamos    
Ruby has shown an incredible sense of responsibility in the preschool classroom, even in the short time she has been here. From the moment she walks through the door, Ruby takes pride in taking care of her belongings and making sure everything is right where it belongs. She is always ready to help clean up and is often the very first one to jump in when it is time to put the classroom back in order. She not only helps, but she takes the time to make sure everything is put away carefully and correctly.

Ruby also shows responsibility through the way she participates in the classroom each day. She listens beautifully during circle time and story time and is always eager to learn, explore, and experience something new. Her love of music and singing brings such happiness to the classroom, and she is always ready to join in with a big smile! 

One of the things I love most about Ruby is her caring heart. She is a kind friend who wants to do her very best and often checks with me to make sure she is making good choices. Her thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and willingness to learn make her such a wonderful example to her classmates. 
    
Ruby, I am so proud of you! You have shown me that being responsible means taking care of your things, helping others, listening, learning, and always trying your best. Your beautiful smile and sweet personality make you such a joy to have in my classroom! 
       
Arrowood Elementary: Harper Grooms
Arrowood is proud to announce Harper Grooms as our Buccaneer of the Month for Responsibility.  Harper is a responsible student who quietly and respectfully leads her peers.  In class, she is always prepared and completes her work on time.  At recess, Harper easily includes others in the activities she is playing.  Harper is on our Safety Patrol, where she diligently performs her duties to keep Arrowood families safe at the crosswalks.  Above all, Harper is a great friend, and we are so glad to have her at our school.

Cox Elementary: Roen Snyder
Roen has shown responsibility since the beginning of the year by helping a Kindergarten student get to their babysitter each day.  He made sure on the first day of school that he had her at dismissal.  Every day, he will not leave the building without her.  He holds her hand until they get to their sitter.

McKinley Elementary: Arianna Bynum
We are proud to congratulate Arianna Bynum on being selected as McKinley’s Kid of Character for the month of September! Arianna serves as a positive role model for her fellow students by showing responsibility both in the classroom and out. Arianna is a good communicator with staff and students. She also submits her work on time and completed with care. When she comes into class, she is always one of the first students to grab all the supplies that are needed and starts work independently. 

Outside of the classroom, she is kind and respectful to her peers and adults. During extracurricular activities, she listens well to her coaches and is a great member of the team. Arianna is a member of the McKinley safety patrol. She takes this responsibility seriously and is a great role model to others. Arianna is a great example of responsibility and good character here at McKinley. Way to go, Arianna! The McKinley staff is so proud of you!!

Shawnee Elementary: Zeke Grandlienard 
Zeke was chosen as our Buccaneer of the Month because he consistently demonstrated that he is a responsible 4th-grade student. He can always be counted on to complete his work, follow classroom expectations, and take care of his responsibilities.  He has taken on the responsibility of being our classroom computer helper by making sure all the Chromebooks are put away and plugged in every afternoon.  He also frequently helps his classmates when they need a helping hand. Best of all, Zeke takes on his responsibilities with a smile on his face. He is a wonderful role model for his classmates! Congratulations!

Tecumseh Elementary: Zane Frauman
Zane Frauman was chosen by his teacher as the student who best demonstrates Responsibility! Being responsible means owning your actions, duties, and mistakes. Zane recognizes that his personal behaviors affect his friends, family, classmates, and community. For this reason, Zane always follows rules, keeps promises, and honors commitments.

He maintains a positive attitude in all he says and does, while encouraging others to show respect and responsibility as well. You will never find Zane whining or complaining when asked to do something; he is trustworthy and highly respected by both peers and school staff. So much so that he has taken on the role of giving bus announcements in the afternoons!! By showing responsibility in and out of the classroom, Zane helps lighten the load for everyone around him. 

Tecumseh appreciates you, Zane!! :)

Warner Middle School – Team Courage: Victor Wagner
Team Courage at Warner Middle School is proud to nominate Victor Wagner as the Sixth Grade Buccaneer of the Month for September! Victor has exhibited a genuine love and interest for learning and is an excellent student.  In every class, he is conscientious of his work, strives to do his best on a daily basis, and is an active participant in each class.  We as a team believe Victor is a student that others can count on to model what it means to be responsible.  He is a positive role model for his peers by turning his work in on time, asking questions to better understand the material, always willing to help others and taking the initiative to better himself and others. 

Victor earned September Buccaneer of the Month because he displays all the characteristics outlined in Xenia’s Portrait of a Graduate. He is kind, respectful toward peers and teachers, and responsible at turning in classwork on time. He thrives with challenging tasks and perseveres with creating strategies to problem-solve those tasks.  He is the student leader that his classmates should seek to follow. Victor is an all-around good and authentic kid and because of this, he is an excellent nomination for September Buccaneer of the Month.

Warner Middle School – Team Ambition: Leven McGillivray
It is with great pride that the 6th Grade Ambition Team commends Leven McGillivray for the
honor of being our Buccaneer of the Month. Leven is a remarkable young man whose everyday actions truly embody the essence of what it means to be a Buccaneer of the Month, making him incredibly deserving of this recognition.

In the classroom, Leven stands out as a self-motivated learner. He approaches his work with enthusiasm and takes great pride and responsibility in everything he does. From the moment class begins to the very last minute, Levin is fully engaged, maintaining steady eye contact and demonstrating a genuine passion for learning. His attention to detail ensures that he always puts forth his very best effort.    

Beyond academic achievements, Leven is known for his friendliness and respectfulness. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to his peers, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere in our classroom. His kindness and approachability make him a wonderful role
model for his classmates.

As teachers, we genuinely love having Leven in our class. His dedication and cheerful spirit make each day brighter, and his commitment to learning is truly inspiring.

On behalf of the 6th Grade Ambition Team, we wholeheartedly applaud your efforts, Leven, and are thrilled to recognize you today!

 

Warner Middle School – Team Endurance: Gracie Rosengarten
Team Endurance is proud to recommend Gracie Rosengarten for Buccaneer of the Month for September. Although we haven’t known her long, it is already clear that she is an exceptional role model for her peers. Her daily approach to learning and her level of responsibility sets a standard of excellence and consistency that inspires those around her.

Xenia High School: Max Greene
Mrs. Tate is proud to nominate Max Greene as Buccaneer of the Month in recognition of his outstanding sense of responsibility. Max consistently sets a positive example for those around him by taking ownership of his choices, holding himself accountable, and demonstrating leadership in everything he does.

As one of the captains of the Football Team, Max understands that leadership is about much more than wearing a title. He leads by example, works hard, supports his teammates, and sets a standard of commitment and character. Max is also an outstanding track athlete, setting the example for not only his shot put teammates, but the entire program in general.  He is able to balance his responsibilities on the field with those in the classroom and among family and friends.  His leadership extends beyond athletics as well, as he volunteers with young athletes, giving his time to help and positively influence younger students.

Max is highly respected by both his peers and the adults who work with him. In the classroom, he is a dedicated and hardworking student who takes his responsibilities seriously and consistently gives his best effort. Whether he is in the classroom, on the field, or serving his community, Max demonstrates that true leadership comes from being dependable, accountable, and willing to do what is right.

Max truly sets the tone for others and exemplifies what it means to be a responsible student and leader. He is a perfect example of what it means to be a responsible Buccaneer!

Online Edge: Felicity Mitchell
Throughout her time in Online Edge, Felicity has consistently attended all in-person requirements. While she is only required to stay for one hour, she typically stays for three. Felicity demonstrates exceptional punctuality and finishes her work ahead of schedule, showcasing strong time-management skills. When facing challenges, she proactively emails Mrs. Cornett with questions. She also uses retakes to master the material and improve her grades. Furthermore, she is a highly engaged participant who always contributes meaningfully to conversations during seminars.

Educator of the Month: Holly Todd, Warner Middle School
We are proud to recommend Mrs. Holly Todd for Educator of the Month at Warner Middle School. Mrs. Todd came to Warner Middle School with an impressive array of educational experience. Throughout her career, she has taught all grade levels (6–8) at the middle school level and has also served as a curriculum coach. Currently, Mrs. Todd teaches 6th grade mathematics at Warner Middle School, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on both her students and colleagues.

Mrs. Todd approaches every opportunity with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to helping students succeed. This year, the math department began implementing Building Thinking Classrooms, and Mrs. Todd has fully embraced this instructional approach. She has thoughtfully begun the implementation process and has created an environment where students are actively engaged, collaborating, and thinking deeply about mathematics.

One of the greatest indicators of Mrs. Todd’s success is the way her students speak about her. As you walk through the halls or cafeteria at Warner Middle School, you will often hear students talking about Mrs. Todd and sharing how much they love math—and love Mrs. Todd. This enthusiasm is a direct reflection of the relationships she builds with her students and her ability to make learning math meaningful and fun.
Mrs. Todd understands that effective teaching goes beyond delivering a lesson. She takes the time to know her students, build trust, encourage them, and create a classroom where they feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their mistakes. Her positive attitude and dedication inspire students to see themselves as capable mathematicians.

In addition to her dedication to her students, Mrs. Todd brings valuable experience and knowledge to the Warner Middle School staff. Her background as a classroom teacher across grades 6–8 and as a curriculum coach allows her to contribute a broad perspective to the school’s instructional goals.
Mrs. Todd is a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and we are fortunate to have her expertise, professionalism, and passion for teaching at Warner Middle School.

For her dedication to students, commitment to professional growth, ability to make mathematics engaging, and the strong relationships she has built within our school community, we are proud to recommend Mrs. Holly Todd for Educator of the Month.