At the October 13 Board of Education meeting, we recognized our Kids of Character for the district! Each month, one student from each building is recognized for modeling positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, and integrity for their fellow students.

Congratulations to our October 2025 Kids of Character: 

• Xenia Preschool: Finley Shaw 
• Arrowood: Evelynn Nguyen
• Cox: Avivionna Smith    
• McKinley: Janice Lomundu
• Shawnee: Frankie Piner
• Tecumseh: Ivan Wilt
• WMS: Kai McElroy - 7th grade- Team Guardians
• WMS: Kayla Washington - 7th grade - Team Titans
• WMS: Kenny Pollock - 7th grade - Team Olympians
• XHS: Ava Wellman & Jakayla Windsor

Read more about each student below, and find individual photos on our gallery page.

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Xenia Preschool: Finley Shaw 
Finley always comes into school with a smile on his face and a funny story about some adventure in his life. He is kind and helpful to the other students. He is enthusiastic about learning and participates in all activities. Finley has grown in the last year by trying new activities as well as being open to new experiences. When a new student enters our room, he lets them know the routine and makes them feel welcome. We are so excited to have you in our classroom.

Arrowood: Evelynn Nguyen
Arrowood is proud to announce Evelynn Nguyen as our October Kid of Character. Evelynn is a 4th grader in Miss Sexten's class. Miss Sexten writes, "Evelynn is a great young lady who is always prepared for school and is willing to help others. Evelynn sets a great example for her peers by being respectful and responsible. Evelynn always comes to school with a smile on her face and is eager to learn." Her Math teacher, Mrs. Humenansky writes, "Evelyn always has a positive attitude. She is eager to learn, is not afraid to work through challenges and is an excellent group member at her table. I love having her in class! She is more than deserving of this award." Thank you, Evelynn for being a shining example of a Kid of Character.

Cox: Avivionna Smith    
Avivionna was nominated by her teacher Mrs. Burmeister. She writes, "Avivionna is such a hardworking student. She gives 100% effort in all that she does, and perseveres when things get hard. She is kind and always seeks to help those around her. Avivionna is truly a Shining Star!"

McKinley: Janice Lomundu
The fourth-grade teachers at McKinley Elementary are delighted to announce Janice Lomundu as the recipient of this month's Kid of Character. Janice has consistently shown outstanding initiative in building friendships and has quickly become a positive presence at McKinley. She is a diligent and engaged student, always prepared to contribute thoughtfully to class discussions. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Janice continuously seeks opportunities to help her classmates, offering helpful reminders and leading by example. This spirit of service and her positive attitude have made her a role model for her peers, demonstrating what it means to be a truly exceptional fourth-grade student. Outside of school, Janice is an active member of the school's Robotics Team, enjoys trying new cuisines, and loves traveling. Congratulations to Janice from the fourth grade teachers at McKinley.

Shawnee: Frankie Piner
When considering a student who exemplifies responsibility, Frankie was the very first student who came to mind. She consistently leads by example—completing tasks on time, taking ownership of her actions, and showing genuine care for both her peers and her work.
Frankie’s reliability and willingness to lend a helping hand have had a positive impact on those around her. She is a student others can always count on, and we are proud to recognize her as Shawnee’s Student of Character.

Tecumseh: Ivan Wilt
In September at Tecumseh Elementary we focused on the character trait, Courage. Ivan was chosen as the kid of character for courage from his class. He is new to Tecumseh this year, and each day he bravely makes new friends, works hard, and shows up. He demonstrates courage by not giving up even when things get tough. He is an excellent example of courage and great citizenship for our entire school. He makes us proud and we are so glad he is part of our Tecumseh family. Thank you for being so courageous, Ivan!

WMS: Kai McElroy - 7th grade- Team Guardians
Kai McElroy, who is new to Warner Middle School, has quickly shown her Buccaneer Best and is our 1st quarter Kid of Character! Character is defined as qualities of honesty, kindness, and integrity; Kai exhibits all of these. Kai is prompt, prepared, respectful, focused, and self-motivated. She consistently comes to class ready to learn and sets a positive example for her peers through her thoughtful participation and responsible behavior. Kai is wonderful to have in class because she gives 110% every day. Kai’s strong start shows great promise, and we are thrilled to have her as part of the 7th-grade Guardian Team at Warner. Welcome, Kai, and keep up the great work!

WMS: Kayla Washington - 7th grade - Team Titans
It is with great pride that the 7th Grade Titans Team commends Kayla Washington for the honor of being our Kid of Character. Kayla is a remarkable young lady whose everyday actions truly embody the essence of what it means to be a Kid of Character, making her incredibly deserving of this recognition.

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

Beyond her academic achievements, Kayla is known for her friendliness and respectfulness. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere in our classroom. Her kindness and approachability make her a wonderful role model for her classmates.
As teachers, we genuinely love having Kayla in our class. Her dedication and cheerful spirit make each day brighter, and her commitment to learning is truly inspiring.
On behalf of the 7th Grade Titans Team, we wholeheartedly applaud your efforts, Kayla, and are thrilled to recognize you today!

WMS: Kenny Pollock - 7th grade- Team Olympians
Team Olympian is proud to recommend Kenny Pollock for the Kid of Character Award.
We are honored to recognize Kenny for the exceptional attitude and character he brings to our school community. His positive influence in the classroom has not gone unnoticed. Whether it's through his dedication to academics or the respectful way he interacts with peers and teachers, Kenny consistently sets a strong example for others to follow.

As a student-athlete, Kenny represents the very best of what we hope to see; someone who balances academic excellence and athletic commitment with integrity, responsibility, and heart.

This year, our 7th-grade team has embraced a “Heroic and Legendary” theme — and Kenny has truly embodied what that means. He demonstrates courage by stepping up when it counts, strength in his determination to succeed, and leadership in the way he carries himself both in and out of the classroom.
Keep up the great work, Kenny! We are so proud to have you on Team Olympian, and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish this year and beyond.

XHS: Ava Wellman & Jakayla Windsor
I am extremely proud to nominate Ava Wellman and Jakayla Windsor for recognition of their outstanding character and leadership. Both students demonstrate a genuine passion for caring for others and go above and beyond to promote the well-being of their peers.
Recently, Ava and Jakayla took the initiative to organize and promote a Suicide Prevention awareness table during lunch, engaging classmates in meaningful conversations about mental health and connecting them to resources. They also worked to foster positivity and inclusion within the school community, encouraging students to look out for one another and to create a culture of kindness.
Their compassion, empathy, and dedication to service reflect the highest standards of character. Through their leadership, Ava and Jakayla have shown that small acts of care can make a big impact on the lives of their peers.