The Mantua school board recognized 18 Stars of Character award winners during its Jan. 13 meeting.
The awards – for December and January – go to district students who best showcase a specific character trait.
“We have 10 different character virtues, or pillars, that out district follows,” said Superintendent Christine Trampe. “We have a different one each month, and each month, there is one nominated student per grade level who … best represents that character trait.”
December’s focus was on self-control, and this month’s value trait is wisdom. All of the virtues are noted on signs that adorn the walls of Centre City Elementary School’s gymnasium, where board meetings take place.
Two students are picked each month for each of the preschool programs at Sewell Elementary School and the Evergreen program at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School. One student from kindergarten to sixth grade is chosen by teachers for the award.
While the board session recognized winners for two months, the number of students cited for accomplishments was doubled to 18. They were honored in reverse order of grade to make younger kids less nervous about standing in front of others. (The winners’ parents requested they not be named.)
“He has the ability to control his feelings and emotions and reactions throughout the school day,” Trampe noted of a December winner. “He does not allow the actions of others to affect his behavior. He does his very best to avoid acting on impulse in order to achieve more important goals, such as learning and being kind.”
The winning students were given a certificate, a necklace and a bracelet that read, “star student” on it, all presented by board President Lori Kroeger.
“She approaches every challenge and learning opportunity with enthusiasm, consistently demonstrating an eagerness to engage deeply and meaningfully across all subjects,” Trampe said of a January winner. “Her wisdom shines not only though academic achievement, but also through personal growth.”
The next Mantua board of education meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10.
