Johnston County Public Schools has announced the recipients of its January 2026 Character Education Awards. The program aims to promote positive character traits among students through various activities, including rewards, bulletin boards, presentations, and interactive lessons. Each month, the Johnston County Board of Education recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary character.
For January, five students were honored for displaying perseverance, responsibility, respect, and compassion.
Janiya Hooks, a 12th-grade student at Corinth Holders High School and member of the swim team, was recognized for perseverance. According to the district, “Janiya is an exceptional and highly respected member of the Corinth Holders High swim team whose perseverance is evident in her daily actions. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence in every practice and competition.” The statement continues: “Even after completing two demanding club practices, Janiya arrives ready to work with a positive attitude and focus. A top point scorer for the Lady Pirates, she earns frequent first- and second-place finishes and contributes valuable relay points.” The district adds: “Through her consistency, leadership, and encouragement, Janiya models perseverance and inspires her teammates, making her a deserving candidate for recognition.”
Karrington Hollowell from River Dell Elementary was also recognized for perseverance. The district notes: “Karrington is an excellent example of perseverance. She stands out for her hard work and determination, always giving her best effort, no matter how challenging an assignment may be. Karrington shows up each day ready to push herself, and her persistence is noticed by everyone around her.” They add: “She is also known for her kindness, going out of her way to include others and create a positive environment for her classmates. Thoughtful, supportive, and always willing to help, Karrington models good choices, a positive attitude, and determination.” River Dell Elementary expressed pride in Karrington’s efforts.
Gabriel Gonzalez from Thanksgiving Elementary received recognition for responsibility. The school described him as “a kind, respectful, and bright young man who lives out the ROAM expectations each day. He consistently shows respect to classmates and teachers, offering daily acts of kindness, from encouraging words at recess to warm greetings and thoughtful gestures.” Gabriel “acts responsibly by completing assignments diligently, leading his peers, and showing strong self-direction,” according to the school. “He takes his role as a student seriously and is accountable for his actions and their impact on others.”
Liam Smith from Archer Lodge Middle was honored for respect. According to the school: “During Liam’s time at Archer Lodge Middle, he has consistently shown respect for teachers and peers. He is a patient, kind, and considerate friend who reflects strong character traits such as compassion, integrity, and fairness.” They continued: “Liam comes to school each day with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn. He demonstrates respect in the classroom hallways,and extracurricular activities by listening attentively,valing others’ opinions,and treating everyone with kindness.” The statement concludes: “Through his positive actions,responsibility,and care for others,Liam models respect dailyand is deserving of this recognition.”
Tahmil Somers from Corinth-Holders Elementary was recognized for compassion but was not pictured in the announcement. The school stated: “Tahmil is an exceptional fifth-grade student who consistently demonstrates respect compassion,and dependability.He arrives at school each day with a positive attitude creating a welcoming environmentfor others.Tahmil shows kindness through encouragement helping classmates returning lost items,and supporting peers without being asked.” They added that he assists younger students each morning delivers Backpack Buddy bags helps staff promotes safety,and gives his best effort at all times.
The district congratulated all recipients of the January 2026 Character Education Awards.
