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 December 2025.
Yerik Pacheco Ibarra
5th Grade - Glendale-Kenly Elementary
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
Yerik Pacheco Ibarra was an easy choice for the Character Education Award for Compassion. He shows kindness, empathy, and a positive spirit every day.
He supports his classmates' learning English, helps peers who feel overwhelmed, and makes sure no one feels left out, whether in class, at recess, or during group work.
Yerik notices needs, offers help without hesitation, and lifts others up with patience and genuine encouragement. His leadership and big heart inspire compassion in everyone around him.
We are proud to celebrate him as a true Wildcat role model!
Timothy Black
5th Grade - Micro Elementary
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
Every 5th-grade teacher at Micro Elementary immediately agreed that Timothy Black was a great candidate for this award.
Tim shows every positive character trait daily; self-discipline, compassion, respect, and strong problem-solving skills. Classmates trust him for help and advice, and he leads by example, staying focused even when others are off task.
He treats everyone with kindness, greets adults warmly, and makes sure others feel included. He sets high expectations for himself and consistently works to uplift those around him.
Tim is a remarkable young man, and Micro Elementary is proud to celebrate him!
Jacob Talton
10th Grade - North Johnston High
Compassion - Treating others as you would like to be treated
Jacob Talton is a standout at North Johnston High for many reasons, particularly his heart.
As a member of the cross country team, Jacob sacrificed his personal best at Regionals to help an injured runner from another school finish the race. Despite others running past, he stopped, lifted the runner, and supported him to the finish so both could qualify. That is one of many acts.
His actions exemplify the empathy he shows every day, encouraging teammates, supporting others, and leading with care as a Flight Commander in AFJROTC.
North Johnston High is proud of Jacob and hopes his example inspires others to show true compassion!
Jacob Arant
8th Grade - North Johnston Middle
Responsibility - Being accountable for your own actions
Jacob Arant, an eighth-grade student at North Johnston Middle School, is being recognized for his outstanding responsibility.
He completes his work diligently, is consistently on the Honor Roll, and actively supports his classmates. Jacob frequently offers help to peers and staff, bringing positive energy to every situation.
Known as kind, dependable, and honest, he continually strives to do his best and seeks opportunities to make a difference in his school community.
Jacob is a tremendous asset to North Johnston Middle School!
James Riffe
5th Grade - Pine Level Elementary
Respect - Understanding that all people have value as human beings
James Riffe exhibits respect for his teachers and his peers at all times. His compassion for others shows as he never speaks unkind words and gets along with everyone. James works hard in his studies and never gives up.
He shows emotional maturity when he stays focused on his work and never disrupts others or gets distracted himself.
As a member of our Safety Patrol, his dependability helps to keep all students safe by ensuring that students follow the hallway rules each morning.
Congratulations to James from everyone at Pine Level Elementary!