Montevallo and Vincent students receive Character in Action Awards

Published 2:31 pm Thursday, December 18, 2014

From left to right: Jill Lee (District Attorney), Dustin Whitehead (VMHS), Josh Thomas (VMHS), Amari Riggins (VES), Kamaya Hudson (MES), Claire Gray (MHS), Lydia Anthony (MMS), and Judge Kramer. (Contributed)

From left to right: Jill Lee (District Attorney), Dustin Whitehead (VMHS), Josh Thomas (VMHS), Amari Riggins (VES), Kamaya Hudson (MES), Claire Gray (MHS), Lydia Anthony (MMS), and Judge Kramer. (Contributed)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

From a program that began in September, another round of students from Montevallo and Vincent have earned the Character in Action award that recognizes students based on respect, self-discipline, responsibility, citizenship, friendship, fairness, perseverance and courage.

The award winners include Vincent Middle High School senior Dustin Whitehead, Joshua Thomas from Vincent Middle High School, Montevallo High School junior Claire Gray, Lydia Anthony from Montevallo Middle School, Amari Riggens from Vincent Elementary School and Kamaya Hudson from Montevallo Elementary School.

On his nomination form teachers described Whitehead as a “shining example of what a friend should be and always treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated.”

Thomas was praised for qualities of good citizenship by always being willing to help with needs around the school and community. “He knows when friends need a hug or a kind word,” read his form. “I have never seen him be unfriendly to anyone.”

Gray is involved in many activities and still has time to maintain a high level of academic performance. “She is also an active and successful member of the marching Troubadours and a member of the MHS soccer team, representing MHS in fine fashion.” As a school leader she constantly practices “putting herself in other’s shoes and truly works hard to understand others’ needs and opinions,” read her form.

Anthony was praised by her teachers for her personality and friendliness. “She is genuinely a happy young lady who does not fear being positive with her peers or adults throughout her day,” read her form. “Due to her reliable nature she has many friends who seek her advice and help.”

“Amari is always looking out for the other kids in her class,” read Riggens’ form. “If someone is not being included she goes out of her way to include them. Amari does not give up on anything. She gives 100 percent effort on everything she does.”

“When working with other students, Kamaya always treats them with respect and kindness,” read Hudson’s form. “Kamaya continually stands out as an independent, loving, and caring young lady.”

The winners received a certificate from Shelby County District Court Judge Jim Kramer, a $25 gift card and will have their picture published in the Shelby County Reporter.

At the end of the school year, overall winners will be selected, and will have a chance to receive a laptop computer.