In the Spring of 2019, the London City School District published its Portrait of a Graduate, which highlights the key skills and attitudes necessary for district graduates to have success in college and careers. Our district uses the Portrait of a Graduate to help design meaningful teaching and learning experiences for our students.
The following students were recognized during the February Regular Board of Education meeting for substantially demonstrating the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Congratulations to each of these students!
Angel Tonge (3rd Grade) - London Elementary School
Meet Angel Tonge, a dedicated third-grade student in Mrs. Arikawa’s class at London Elementary School. Angel consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, always paying close attention in class and putting forth his best effort each day. He leads by example, encouraging his classmates to make positive choices and fostering a respectful learning environment. Angel actively participates in lessons and is a great listener.
This recommendation comes from his art teacher, Mrs. Feliz, who praises him as an outstanding student in her classroom. He consistently participates in class, inspires creativity in his peers, and is always eager to help others. Mrs. Arikawa praised his performance in class, noting that his creative imagination really comes through in his writing. Other teachers also commend his kindness and patience, making him a valued member of the school community.
We are proud to recognize Angel for his outstanding attitude, respectful demeanor, and creative thinking, not only in the classroom but in the school!
Lydia Meddock (8th) - London Middle School
We proudly recognize Lydia Meddock as this month's Portrait of a Graduate! Lydia embodies the qualities of academic achievement, leadership, and resilience, making her an outstanding role model for her peers.
Lydia has been on the Merit Honor Roll since the 6th grade and has been a National Junior Honor Society member since the 7th grade. She has excelled in volleyball, playing for the LMS team during her 7th and 8th-grade years and contributing to back-to-back CBC championships as an outside hitter. Even while facing illness during the championship round, Lydia's dedication to her team never faltered. She has also played club volleyball with London Elite since 5th grade and currently competes on an elite regional team in Dublin.
In addition to her academic and athletic accomplishments, Lydia served as an office helper during the first quarter. The LMS administrative assistance team had high praise for her, stating, 'Lydia was a pleasure to work with, and we truly enjoyed having her in the office. She was always willing to run any errand we had, demonstrating responsibility and reliability. She was polite, respectful, and eager to assist with tasks such as sorting mail and organizing teacher mailboxes. Lydia’s positive attitude and strong work ethic made a lasting impression on us.
Lydia's extracurricular involvement extends beyond school. She played piano for three years and has been an active 4-H member for four years, participating in photography, cake decorating, and sewing. She even showed a rabbit named Bacon, earning 4th place in rabbit showmanship. Lydia qualified for the state photography competition but was unable to attend due to a family trip to Alaska.
Her commitment to service is evident through her volunteer efforts, including community clean-up projects and creating hygiene bags and clothing donations for those in need.
Looking to the future, Lydia is considering a career in law enforcement, following in her father’s footsteps. She hopes to attend Ohio State University and play volleyball at the collegiate level. Her favorite subject is English Language Arts, where she excels and enjoys learning about different places.
Her ELA teacher, Mr. Billings, shared, "Lydia is an extremely bright young lady with an auspicious future in whatever she chooses to pursue. Lydia is someone that I can count on to always turn in quality work demonstrating a strong grasp on class topics. She's a trusted student helper who is always willing to assist when needed. If head shakes were laughs, I could safely say she laughs at all my jokes. All that being said, Lydia demonstrates the necessary qualities you'd expect to capture in a Portrait of a Graduate."
Avery Semler (11th) - London Unlimited
For February, Avery Semler has been selected as the London Unlimited Portrait of a Graduate student. A junior at London High School with a 3.2 GPA, this is her first year in the London Unlimited (LU) program. She takes advantage of LU’s flexibility, performing her best academically in the evening and at night, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
Avery is enrolled in College Credit Plus (CCP) and takes additional college courses while in high school, showcasing her critical thinking and problem-solving skills as she prepares for a future in healthcare. She currently attends Clark State Community College and plans to earn her State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications this summer, followed by her Paramedic certification next school year. After graduation, she intends to continue at Clark State to pursue her Registered Nursing (RN) degree, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
In addition to her studies, Avery works at London Health and Rehab as a Dietary Aide, gaining valuable experience in a healthcare setting. Her exposure to the medical field, combined with her involvement in pediatric cancer awareness organizations, has further fueled her passion for helping others. Her dedication to learning and skill development reflects her proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and technology.
Beyond academics and work, Avery is passionate about the outdoors and hunting, a tradition she shares with her dad and siblings. She has successfully harvested whitetail deer, turkey, mule deer, ducks, and geese and is currently hoping to be drawn for a bear hunt in Wisconsin. She also enjoys training her two Labrador Retrievers—Kimber, whom she taught to waterfowl hunt, and Kolar, her new puppy, who is currently in training.
Avery is actively involved in various extracurricular activities. She is a member of the Lead Slinger Trap Shooting Club, where she was honored as a Team Captain last year. She also participates in the Prairie Raiders 4-H Club, where she shows dairy cows and goats, demonstrating responsibility and respect for herself and others. Last summer, Avery initiated a trap-and-release program for feral cats at the county fairgrounds, successfully trapping, spaying/neutering, and rehoming approximately 25 of the 30 cats she has rescued.
Beyond academics, Avery has been a member of the LHS cheer team and an avid competitor in a trap shooting league. She enjoys visiting her sister’s farm, where she helps raise goats and ducks, and cherishes time spent with her siblings, nieces, and nephew. These experiences have helped her become an effective communicator, collaborating with teammates, mentors, and peers in various settings.
Avery’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and career aspirations embody the qualities of the Portrait of Graduate, making her a great representative of the London Unlimited program.
Jonah Thoman (12th) - London High School
It is an honor to name Jonah Thoman as London High School's Portrait of a Graduate. Jonah is a dedicated, well-rounded student whose contributions to soccer and art reflect his leadership, creativity, and resilience. As a senior leader in the art program, captain of the soccer team, and a student in the classroom; Jonah exemplifies the qualities of a graduate who is prepared for success.
Effective Communicator
Jonah is an outstanding communicator both on and off the field. As a soccer captain, he leads by example, motivating his teammates and providing clear direction during games and practices. His ability to encourage and guide others fosters a strong sense of teamwork. In art, Jonah expresses powerful ideas through his work, using visual storytelling to communicate emotions and perspectives. His role as a senior leader in the art program also allows him to mentor younger students, demonstrating his ability to communicate effectively in various settings.
Critical, Creative Thinker and Problem Solver
Jonah’s critical and creative thinking skills shine in both athletics and the arts. On the soccer field, he strategizes in real-time, adjusting to opponents' tactics and making quick decisions under pressure. In art, he applies innovative techniques and problem-solving skills to bring his creative visions to life. His ability to think outside the box and overcome challenges reflects his dedication to continuous improvement.
Respectful to Self and Others
Jonah consistently demonstrates respect for his peers, coaches, teachers, and himself. As a team captain, he leads with integrity, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. He values the contributions of others and encourages collaboration, both in sports and in the art studio. His respect for self is evident in his strong work ethic, always striving to improve and grow in every area of his life.
Flexible and Adaptable
Jonah’s ability to adapt is evident in his involvement in multiple activities. Balancing the demands of soccer and art requires time management and resilience. Whether adjusting to unexpected changes on the field, refining an artistic vision, or managing a busy schedule, Jonah remains composed and adaptable in all situations.
Skilled in Literacy, Numeracy, and Technology
Jonah’s academic and artistic pursuits showcase his proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and technology. His understanding of proportion, scale, and design principles in art demonstrates strong numeracy skills, while his ability to analyze game strategies reflects his logical thinking. Additionally, Jonah effectively integrates technology into his creative process, using digital tools to enhance his artwork and expand his skill set.
Mrs. Hallowes-Billiter shares the following, "Jonah has been a student of mine for four years now. During this time, I have never once seen Jonah be anything other than a hard-working and supportive person. He always comes into the room with a smile on his face and enjoys spending time with his peers while working on his craft. He will do anything for someone and it's been so nice knowing I can rely on him as a leader in this room. His talent has grown immensely during his time here and he always puts his best effort into everything he does. He's just a great young man with an exciting and promising future ahead of him!"
Congratulations, Jonah!
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