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 November 2025.
Ethan Collier
12th grade - Clayton High
Loyalty - Standing up for friends, family, and country
Ethan Collier leads by example and dedicates himself to numerous school organizations, amassing over 300 hours of community service.
He serves as the president of both the Comet Ambassadors and The Bridge Club, while also actively participating in the Student Government Association and the National Honor Society.
Ethan's willingness to step in and assist wherever needed showcases his commitment to making a difference. His primary goal remains to serve his community and make a meaningful impact in the world.
Haley Moon
8th grade - Clayton Middle
Dependability - Keeping your promises
Haley Moon can always be trusted to complete any task she begins with care, excellence, and attention to detail. She is quick to volunteer for various projects around the school and follows through on every commitment, demonstrating maturity beyond her years.
Academically, Haley maintains outstanding grades through her consistent effort and determination. She is respectful, polite, and displays exceptional manners at all times. Haley’s reliability, strong work ethic, and positive attitude make her a role model for her peers.
Iolana Rivera
5th grade - Cooper Academy
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Iolana Rivera is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates responsibility in the classroom. She comes to class every day prepared and ready to learn.
Iolana is organized and shows leadership in her academics and among her peers. Her bright smile and positive attitude bring a wonderful presence to the classroom.
In addition, Iolana is an enthusiastic reader and a dedicated member of the Battle of the Books team at Cooper Academy.
Congratulations to Iolana for consistently demonstrating responsibility. Cooper Academy looks forward to hearing about her future accomplishments!
Mariah Sawyer
5th grade - East Clayton Elementary
Respect - Understanding that all people have value as human beings
Mariah Sawyer is a student who exemplifies the character trait of respect. Mariah is polite when speaking with both her peers and teachers. She consistently shows that she values all people through her excellent listening skills and thoughtful responses.
Mariah works well with her peers during class projects, group discussions, and in other school activities. She has a positive attitude and always puts forth her best effort. Even when others around her are not always doing the right thing, Mariah holds firm with her respectful attitude.
Taraji Wright
5th grade - West Clayton Elementary
Integrity - Being honest in all things
Taraji Wright approaches every task with enthusiasm, focus, and a genuine desire to learn. No matter the challenge, she always puts her best foot forward. Taraji's respectful and kind nature makes her a trusted friend and a valued member of the school community.
She demonstrates strong character traits such as respect, responsibility, dependability, and compassion for others. Taraji can always be counted on to do the right thing, encourage her peers, and make choices that reflect her excellent character.
Leilani Hines
4th grade - Wilson’s Mills Elementary
Respect - Understanding that all people have value as human beings
Leilani Hines shows respect in multiple ways. She listens with an open heart while others are speaking, whether it’s a teacher giving instructions or a peer sharing their thoughts. Leilani always does everything that is asked of her, and she does so with a smile on her face.
She leads by example as a true role model, bringing her positive energy into the classroom every single day. Leilani is the epitome of respect because she is such a considerate person, works well with others, and is constantly willing to lend a helping hand.