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 April 2026.
Annaleigh Keel
5th Grade - Princeton Elementary
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Annaleigh exemplifies responsibility as a fifth grader at Princeton Elementary. She balances leadership roles in Broadcast and Safety Patrol, participates in violin, and maintains straight A’s.
Organized and dependable, Annaleigh follows through on every commitment. She manages her time well, completes her work, and shows perseverance and initiative in her learning.
Beyond academics, Annaleigh is kind, respectful, and encouraging to others. Her leadership, integrity, and compassion make Annaleigh a strong role model and valued member of her school community.
Congratulations, Annaleigh, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Princeton Elementary!
Londyn Legget
3rd Grade - South Smithfield Elementary
Self-Discipline - Doing your best in all situations
Londyn consistently goes out of her way to show kindness and compassion. She welcomes new students, checks on peers who seem upset, and helps others without being asked.
She also demonstrates strong self-discipline, completing her work despite a busy schedule and seeking extra practice when needed.
Focused and determined, she avoids distractions and always strives to do her best. Londyn is a caring, hardworking student and a positive role model for her peers.
Congratulations, Londyn, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for South Smithfield Elementary!
Kai-Lin Grey
8th Grade - Princeton Middle/High
Integrity - Being honest in all things
Kai-Lin demonstrates integrity by consistently demonstrating honesty, responsibility, and strong character. An eighth grader taking high school courses, Kai-Lin approaches his work with independence and authenticity, completing assignments with care and without shortcuts. He stays organized, meets deadlines, and takes ownership of his learning.
Whether in class, competitions, or FBLA, he acts with fairness, respect, and professionalism. Trusted by peers and teachers, Kai-Lin leads by example and contributes to a positive, ethical school community.
Congratulations, Kai-Lin, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Princeton Middle/High!
Andrew Hartman
12th Grade - Smithfield-Selma High
Respect - Understanding that all people have value as human beings
Andrew is a strong candidate for the Smithfield-Selma High Character Education Award, consistently demonstrating respect, resilience, and a well-rounded character. He excels both independently and in team settings, supports peers, and builds positive relationships. He values all cultures, has learned Spanish, and connects with others through meaningful conversation.
Andrew gives generously of his time, including helping teammates with transportation, which he sees as an opportunity to build connections. His character will leave a lasting impact on the school community.
Congratulations, Andrew, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Smithfield-Selma High!
Jakiyrah Bradshaw
8th Grade - Smithfield Middle
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
Jakirah is empathetic to those who feel they don’t belong, helping them recognize their strengths and feel valued. She listens without judgment and shows consistent kindness and care.
As a tour guide for fifth graders, Jakirah helped students feel welcomed and eased their transition to middle school. A leader on the cheerleading squad, she supported younger teammates and led by example. Jakirah is a positive role model who fosters acceptance and belonging in every interaction.
Congratulations, Jakirah, for being recognized as the April Character Ed Student for Smithfield Middle!