At the September 8 Board of Education meeting, we recognized our Kids of Character for the district! Each month, one student from each building is recognized for modeling positive character traits such as respect, responsibility, and integrity for their fellow students.

Congratulations to our September 2025 Kids of Character: 

• Xenia Preschool: Landen Eagle    
• Arrowood Elementary: Kaelynn Matoon
• Cox Elementary: Emmy Marshall
• McKinley Elementary: Luke Browder
• Shawnee Elementary: Marleigh Spahr
• Tecumseh Elementary: Ja'Kieyah Holder
• Warner Middle School - Team Nationals: Isabella Scott 
• Warner Middle School - Team Eagles: Zane Stafford
• Warner Middle School - Team Patriots: Makaya Smith 
• Xenia High School: Carlee Hawes

See more photos on our Photo Gallery page. 
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Xenia Preschool: Landen Eagle
This is the beginning of Landen’s second year at Xenia Community preschool. Landen is a wonderful little boy who is a joy to have in class. He walks into school every day with a smile ready to learn and try new things. Landen’s teacher can depend on him to be a great classroom helper and a role model for his peers. Landen is friendly and kind and includes everyone in the classroom while playing with his sharing and caring attributes. This makes Landen a great kid with character!
    
Arrowood Elementary: Kaelynn Matoon
Arrowood Elementary is proud to announce Kaelyn Matoon as our Kid of Character for September. Kaelyn is a 5th grade student in Mrs. Eakle's homeroom class. Kaelyn is always a good friend to her classmates. She can always be counted on to be doing the right thing here at school whether it is doing her schoolwork, remembering her responsibilities, or helping other students in need. Kaelyn notices others and helps them in her own quiet ways. She doesn't want extra attention, she just wants to do what's best for others. On top of that, she is also very smart! We are so fortunate that she is our student. Thank you, Kaelyn!
    
Cox Elementary: Emmy Marshall
Kaleigh Dougherty nominate Emmy as a Cox Shining Star Kid because she stands out daily as a leader who leads by example—always showing respect to both her peers and teachers. Her kindness and helpfulness shine through in every interaction, as she is the first to step in when someone needs support and the first to cheer on her classmates’ successes. Her leadership, respect, and genuine care for others make her a truly remarkable student and a shining example of what it means to be a role model.

McKinley Elementary: Luke Browder 
We would like to congratulate Luke Browder on being selected as McKinley’s Kid of Character for the month of September. Luke serves as a positive role model for his fellow students by showing respect, responsibility, and kindness both in the classroom and out. Luke is a member of the Lego Robotics Team at McKinley. He is creative, hardworking, and able to get along with everyone. Luke also takes pride in being one of two students who puts up and takes down our flag each morning and afternoon. Luke is a great example of good character here at McKinley. Way to go Luke! Ms. Hyde and Mrs. Winegar are so proud of you!!

Shawnee Elementary: Marleigh Spahr 
Marleigh consistently shows respect to her classmates and teacher through her actions and words. She is a great listener, waiting her turn to speak by raising a quiet hand and making eye contact when others are talking. Marleigh is always polite, remembering to use "please" and "thank you," and she offers a helping hand to her classmates, such as sharing supplies or helping to clean up. Her kindness and good manners help create a friendly and welcoming classroom for everyone.

Tecumseh Elementary: Ja’Kieyah Holder
Most kids are never chosen as a kid of character from their classroom, but Ja'Kieyah Holder has been chosen multiple years in a row!! In Kindergarten she was chosen for Kindness, in 1st grade she was chosen for Courage, and in 2nd grade she was chosen for Empathy. It seems only fitting to recognize Ja'Kieyah's achievements as she tackles her 3rd grade year. Ja’Kieyah is a one of a kind hard working student! No task is too big as she takes on all of her responsibilities without any hesitation. She gives her best effort no matter what! Her courage and determination are incredible and it shows. Not only is Ja’Kieyah a dedicated student, she shows kindness to all of her classmates. She makes sure that everyone has someone to play with and includes them in what she is playing. She also shows kindness to her teachers by paying attention in class and trying her hardest with her learning! Ja’Kieyah is keenly aware of others and their needs. She sees things before they happen sometimes and Ja’Kieyah is a pure joy to others each day. She uses her voice to relate to others and calm them down. She is a peacemaker we can count on to deescalate situations in the classroom and on the playground. Congratulations to Ja’Kieyah for being a sweet and sensitive soul to herself and all others, you make our school a great place to be!!

Warner Middle School, Team Nationals: Isabella Scott
Bella is someone who has not only demonstrated hard work and dedication, but has also grown tremendously, both personally and academically.
Bella is the definition of a hard worker. She approaches every task with focus and determination, whether she's working independently or as part of a team. Her ability to stay organized, meet expectations, and go above and beyond sets an outstanding example for her classmates and all WMS students.

What truly makes Bella stand out is her character. She’s friendly, approachable, and always wears a smile. Her sociable nature brings warmth to the classroom, and she works extremely well with others. In fact, she often takes the time to support her classmates—whether by helping explain a lesson or stepping in when someone needs a hand. Her helpful spirit and willingness to teach others show true leadership and kindness.

In group settings, she’s a reliable and respectful teammate. On her own, she shows responsibility and initiative. No matter the situation, she always strives to do better and be better.

Perhaps most inspiring of all is the transformation she has made over the past two years. She has completely turned herself around—growing in maturity, responsibility, and confidence. Many teachers and adults have witnessed the progress she’s made. She is living proof that with the right attitude and effort, positive change is always possible.

Bella is pleasant, respectful, kind-hearted, and a joy to be around. Even though we have not known her long, she is highly thought of by everyone we have come across. Her energy uplifts others, and her work ethic pushes her closer to excellence every day.

We are so excited to see her continue to grow and mature, and we know that she will have an impact on many as she moves through the rest of her academic career. 

Keep it going Bella!!! WE are proud of you!!!

Warner Middle School, Team Eagles: Zane Stafford
From the moment you meet Zane, it’s clear he’s a standout student, not just because of his academic effort, but because of the character he brings to everything he does. Zane is a dedicated and hardworking individual who consistently turns in his work on time and always gives his best effort. In the classroom, he consistently goes above and beyond by volunteering, staying engaged, and setting a positive example for his peers.

Zane's leadership shines not only through his actions but also in his ability to influence those around him. When peers are making poor choices, Zane doesn't follow the crowd. Instead, he encourages others to do what's right and stay focused. As a WEB leader, he takes pride in supporting his 6th-grade mentees, as well as helping anyone in the school who may need it.

Kind, respectful, and full of compassion, Zane is the type of student every teacher hopes for and every school needs. His determination, integrity, and enthusiasm for the new school year makes him a true role model and one of the most memorable students we’ve had the pleasure of teaching.

Warner Middle School, Team Patriots: Makaya Smith
Makaya Smith has been nominated for Kid of Character by the Patriot team because her character shines through. She is respectful and happy to help. She comes into the classroom with a pleasant attitude asking other people how they are and truly listening to their responses. She has also demonstrated in the short time that we have been at school this year a willingness to learn and has a great work ethic.

When we asked some 7th grade teachers about her character and the results given to us match what we have seen. Seventh grade teachers responses were
Makaya is a kind and compassionate student who consistently goes out of her way to check in on others. Every day after lunch, she asks how my meal was and whether I’m having a good day. She shows genuine empathy by reading others’ emotions and offering help when she notices someone struggling. Makaya is also a great friend—cooperative, supportive, and always helpful in group settings.

These are the qualities that will make her successful and the reasons why she was nominated the Patriot Team’s Kid of Character.

Xenia High School: Carlee Hawes
From Mr. Collins - This is my 2nd year having Carlee as a student. Every day she comes to class with a genuine energetic enthusiasm and excitement for learning. She is the type of student that makes teaching enjoyable and reminds teachers why they got into this profession in the first place. She always has something kind to say and truly embodies the core values of Xenia High School. She is always exploring her potential by being an active and attentive participant in class and taking honors and CCP courses. She is excelling in her pursuits by maintaining good grades. She exceeds expectations by having all work completed thoroughly and thoughtfully and asking great follow-up questions in class. Carlee is a student that other students at Xenia High School could look to as an example of excellent Character.