Jaquavian Abraham is a second-grade student at First Ward Elementary School. During the school’s book fair, he found a large handful of money in the hallway. The seven-year-old immediately turned it in to his teacher, who tracked down the child who had lost the money. That child was so happy to have the money back that her mother had given her to buy books at the book fair. The school is very proud of Jaquavian for his honesty and for thinking of others and doing the right thing.

Kevin Burries
Bradley Middle School
Nominated by: Sheila Lester

Kevin Burries is an 11-year-old sixth grader at Bradley Middle School. He spotted a box cutter on the physical activity field. Instead of picking it up, he did the right thing by calling an adult over to pick it up and dispose of it correctly. We are proud that Kevin knew it was an inappropriate object to handle and told an adult. By doing this, Kevin helped keep Bradley Middle safe.

Domenica Coka is in the fourth grade at Bain Elementary. Over the summer, her brother was diagnosed with leukemia for the second time and it was determined that he needed a bone marrow transplant. Several weeks ago, her mother and brother went to Duke University Medical Center for four months, leaving Domenica at home with her dad. Although it has been hard for her to be away from her mother and brother, Domenica has shown a positive attitude. This nine-year-old has never acted jealous of the attention her brother has been getting; instead, she loves when her classmates and teachers write notes for her to bring to him at the hospital. Her friends at Bain are inspired by the positive way she has handled this serious situation.

David Diberardino is a 17-year-old senior at Ardrey Kell High School. In September, he responded quickly when a classmate was hurt in physical education class. David knew what to do because of training he received as a member of JROTC and his quick thinking may have saved his classmate’s life. The maturity David demonstrated during this emergency was outstanding and he is a great example of a student who did the right thing.

Hargett is a seventh-grade student at Northeast Middle School. While in the classroom one day, she heard a comment that could have been considered bullying. Kiersten spoke out about it and explained that even though the comment was supposed to be a joke, other students could take it as bullying. This 12-year-old was willing to stand up for a fellow student and expressed herself clearly and maturely. Her comments initiated a very positive class discussion on the effects of joking and bullying.

Deonte Holmes is in the fifth grade at Joseph W. Grier Academy. He works hard at school and makes good grades, but he is also a great example outside the classroom. Deonte’s mother is a nurse who sometimes works with wellness fairs. This 10-year-old works right alongside his mother, helping her set up health-care booths and stocking them with fliers and awareness items. He helps and directs clients when his mother is busy working with other people. Deonte also works with Angel Food Services, which provides food at a reduced cost to those in need. His mother says he doesn’t see these activities as work – it’s just something he likes to do. Deonte personifies the character traits of caring, respect, responsibility and citizenship without expecting or needing recognition or reward.

Shauyna Joyner is a fifth-grade student at Torrence Creek Elementary School. She spends a lot of her time at recess playing with another child, who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. Every day, Shauyna volunteers to throw a ball with him or just sit and talk to him. The school is very proud of Shauyna for thinking of others.

Liam Kuelbs is a fourth-grade student at Albemarle Road Elementary School. For the past two years, he has worked with disabled children who attend his school. Last year, Liam spent his recess time with them, reading to them and making crafts with them. He has even bought some of the craft supplies himself! He is working with the same children this year as part of the Allegro program, where they do plays and learn dancing and singing. Liam says it just makes him feel good to do it.

Lauren Lanham is a third-grade student at Mountain Island Elementary School. In September, one of her classmates had surgery at Levine Children’s Hospital. Lauren asked her mother if they could find a way to visit the classmate to show her support. Lauren’s mother got permission from the classmate’s parents and Lauren made the trip to the hospital. Her classmate was sleeping, but Lauren left a homemade card and a gift to keep her busy while she recovered. All of Mountain Island is proud of this eight-year-old for being there for a classmate in her time of need. School is not always about science, math and reading; it’s about the people you touch and care about along the way.

Jackson Martin is a third grader at Blythe Elementary School. Last year, he was diagnosed with leukemia and missed most of his second-grade year while he was in treatment. The eight-year-old came back to school this year excited to learn, do his schoolwork and just be with his friends and teachers. He always pays close attention to his teacher and it shows, because he receives all A’s. Jackson goes to the hospital for half a day every Thursday for treatment and has no trouble making up any work he misses in class. He never complains and is a good example to other students by showing perseverance, strength, courage and hope.

Shatari McClinton is a third-grade student at Whitewater Academy who has already faced many adult issues. He recently learned his mother has lung and breast cancer and has been a very strong son, student and friend. When it would be easy for Shatari to give up or shut down, he doesn’t do that. Instead, he comes to school every day with his head up, ready to learn. This eight-year-old does his best to learn something new each day and works hard to finish his homework and keep up with his studies. He is a good friend and a good student who is helpful to classmates and respectful to adults. Shatari keeps going every day with a smile on his face and continues to do the right thing.

Izan Thompson is a third grader at Reedy Creek Elementary School. He was recently in an accident which resulted in severe burns over 10 percent of his body. He displayed incredible courage and maintained a positive attitude during his recovery. This eight-year-old often reminded his team of doctors and medical staff at the Chapel Hill Burn Center that “strength comes from within and having a positive attitude and good character helps you overcome things that sometimes seem impossible.” Izan once hated school and is now very optimistic about returning as soon as he fully recovers.