The
Cumberland County Schools’ Shining Star Program
recognizes ‘Acts of Good Character’ demonstrated by students
throughout the school system. The selection of winners is based on
the nominee’s overall character, in and out of school, as well as
his/her actions and/or situations that display respect,
responsibility, integrity, caring, self-discipline, trustworthiness,
fairness, or citizenship.
Three
students were recently selected from individual school nominations
for displaying ‘Acts of Good Character.’ These students were
recognized and honored during the Cumberland County Schools’ monthly
Board meeting on Tuesday, March 9.
First grader Isabella Hardison
from Lake Rim Elementary School was selected as the PreK-2nd
Shining Star representative. Margaret Alligood, the six year
old’s teacher, describes her as “a truly compassionate person.”
Recently, Isabella and her family stayed at the Ronald McDonald
House while a close family member was a patient at Duke University
Hospital. To express appreciation for the care she and her family
received, Isabella decided to give the proceeds she made from
selling dyed macaroni necklaces to the Ronald McDonald House.
According to Alligood, Isabella also looks forward to having Lake
Rim (Elementary) play a role in helping families at the Ronald
McDonald House. “The fact that she initiated the idea of a necklace
sale proves her sincere feelings to want to help others.
Morgan Robinson, a fifth-grade
student at Stoney Point Elementary School, was chosen as the
3-5 Shining Star representative. Laura Candler, the 11 year old’s
teacher, said she was deeply concerned about the situation in Haiti
after the Jan. 12 earthquake and wanted to do something about it.
Candler said Morgan started selling homemade bracelets at school and
is donating all the proceeds to the relief effort. According to
Candler, teachers and students have been buying her bracelets and
donating cash to the cause. As of Feb. 5, Morgan raised over $175.
“Even at her young age, she recognizes that it’s all the little
things people do that make a difference, and she never felt that she
was incapable of helping,” said Candler. “Morgan believed in her own
ability to make a significant contribution to a worldwide issue.”
Pine Forest High School student Evan
Mena was selected as the 9-12 Shining Star representative.
According to Laura Moya, the honoree’s teacher, the 17 year old
“demonstrated citizenship above and beyond the norm when he stopped
and helped at the scene of a gruesome vehicle accident.” Recently,
Evan happened upon a vehicle accident that involved a smoking and
overturned SUV. According to Moya, the high school senior blocked
the roadway, called 9-1-1, talked with a young passenger to help
keep him conscious, and helped another passerby pull the driver from
the vehicle. “No one made him assist,” said Moya. “He [Evan] chose
to [assist] because he is an outstanding citizen and a true Shining
Star.”
The Shining Stars Program for
Student Recognition was developed in 1996 to highlight students
who exemplify outstanding qualities in Character Education traits.
The Shining Stars committee selects winners based on school
nominations. Winners are recognized at the regular monthly meeting
of the Board of Education. A special Shining Star trophy and a
lapel pin are awarded to each student.
