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 October Regular Board of Education meeting for substantially demonstrating the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Congratulations to each of these students!
Scarlett Sanders (5th Grade) - London Elementary School
London Elementary School is proud to announce Scarlett Sanders as the Portrait of a Graduate recipient for September.
Scarlett is currently a fifth-grade student in Mr. Johnson’s homeroom. She not only goes above and beyond with her academics, but she also exhibits all the qualities of what it means to be a great leader and a kind friend. Scarlett’s influence in our school goes beyond words. She is a role model for our younger students as she is always there to lend a helping hand. She has the patience to help fellow peers with coursework or really tough situations. Scarlett is mature, organized, and extremely respectful. She has been someone that adults in the building turn to to help with any task, and she does it with a smile on her face. In addition to her academic achievements, Scarlett maintains those high standards in the sports she plays year-round. She works hard, never complains, and gets better every day. She is the epitome of perseverance.
Scarlett Sanders has made a huge impact on her time at London Elementary School and will do amazing things in the future. We all look forward to watching Scarlett grow into the beautiful person she is inside and out.
Dani Kennedy (8th) - London Middle School
I am writing to share the journey and accomplishments of Dani Kennedy, a student whose experiences in academics, athletics, arts, and leadership exemplify the attributes of a Portrait of a Graduate. Dani’s involvement in both her studies and extracurricular activities has fostered her development into a dedicated, hardworking, and community-oriented individual.
Dani has been an Irish dancer at the Richens Timm Academy of Irish Dance in Dublin for the past eight years. Her commitment to this discipline is evident through her rigorous training schedule—practicing four nights a week for several hours throughout most of the year. Through this perseverance, Dani has progressed to the senior dance class and earned impressive accolades, including placing 8th at Nationals last year in the traditional set.
Beyond dance, Dani is an enthusiastic tennis player and participates in daily practices after school under the guidance of Mrs. Nolan. Primarily playing doubles since May, she has also demonstrated flexibility by stepping in for singles matches when needed. Tennis has helped Dani strengthen her teamwork and adaptability skills, and she brings the same level of dedication to her other pursuits.
Dani’s excellence in academics is equally noteworthy. She is currently enrolled in high school-level courses, including Algebra, Health, PE, and Honors English, and has maintained merit honor roll status since 6th grade. As a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Dani is committed to giving back to her community through service and leadership. She was honored with the Student of the Month award last year and received the Outstanding Artist Award from Mrs. E for her creative talents in painting, drawing, and sculpting.
Dani’s leadership extends to her role as an office helper, a position she has held since last year. In this role, she assists with administrative tasks and contributes to the smooth operation of the school. Additionally, for the past two years, Dani has been a key member of the morning announcement crew, delivering essential school news, fun facts, and motivational messages. Her regular reminder for fellow students to "be the coffee bean" serves as a powerful message of resilience and positivity.
In conclusion, Dani Kennedy’s achievements in Irish dance, tennis, art, academics, and school leadership have shaped her into a well-rounded individual who embodies the qualities of a Portrait of a Graduate. Her dedication to excellence, service, and personal growth will continue to guide her as she moves forward in her academic and personal journey.
Cambree Peck (12th) - London Unlimited
Cambree Peck embodies the London Unlimited Portrait of a Graduate. As a part-time London Unlimited student over the past two years, she has maintained an impressive 3.5 GPA while also taking college-level courses. The flexibility of the London Unlimited program has allowed her to complete much of her coursework remotely, while still coming to the school to pursue her passion for art. Her art teacher, Mrs. Billiter, shared, "I've had her for four years now, but this year I’ve seen a noticeable amount of maturity and growth. She’s raising her standards, working harder, thinking about her future, and staying positive. She’s improving her time management skills and setting ambitious goals for herself this year." Beyond her academic achievements, Cambree has actively participated in both fall and winter cheerleading, as well as on the competition cheer team, where she leads by example and motivates her teammates. She has also been involved in volleyball at London High School. Through her adaptability and dedication, Cambree has leveraged the flexibility of the program to succeed both academically and personally. In addition, she balances her school and extracurricular activities with a part-time job.
Justin Jackman (12th) - London High School
I am honored to nominate Justin Jackman as London High School's nominee for the Portrait of a Graduate. Justin exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded, dedicated, and ambitious student, making him an ideal candidate for this honor. He, in my opinion, is a defining individual of the characteristics that we seek in our Portrait of a Graduate. He is a team leader, a role model, and a giver to the community and school. Quite simply, he is an overall good person.
Athletics: Justin is an active and committed member of both the soccer and track teams. His dedication to athletics is evident in his consistent performance and leadership on the field and track. Whether he is strategizing plays during a soccer match or pushing himself to break personal records in track, Justin's determination and sportsmanship are truly commendable. He understands the importance of teamwork and always encourages his peers to strive for excellence, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
Academics: In addition to his athletic commitments, Justin is also pursuing academic excellence through College Credit Plus (CCP) courses. His enrollment in these advanced courses demonstrates his drive to challenge himself and his commitment to preparing for future academic endeavors. Justin's ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with his athletic responsibilities is a testament to his strong work ethic and time management skills.
Character: Beyond his academic and athletic achievements, Justin is known for his integrity, humility, and kindness. He is a role model to his peers, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. His positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenges inspire those around him.
Staff Statements- Mrs. Sambas shares, "Justin is one of the most conscientious students I know. He works hard to achieve academically, and he's also kind and compassionate to others. Justin's efforts in the classroom, where he maintains excellent grades, show him to be a capable critical thinker who is academically skilled and well-rounded. In addition to his academic achievements, his willingness to help others shows his depth of character. Justin is a great kid with a bright future and I can't wait to see how he tackles the challenges ahead."
Mr. Coudret shares, "Justin is everything you want to see in a graduate. He is obviously intelligent, but it's Justin's other traits that make him exceptional. These traits include selflessness, humility, and a willingness to serve others. They are innate and truly make Justin a student that London City schools can be proud of."
In summary, Justin Jackman is a student who excels in multiple areas, consistently demonstrating the qualities of a well-rounded representative of London High School. His dedication to his studies, passion for athletics, and strong character make him an outstanding recipient for the Portrait of a Graduate recognition.
