Canton Repository Kid of Character: Ava Foss, East Canton Middle

NAME – Ava Foss

SCHOOL – East Canton Middle School

RESIDENCE – East Canton

AGE – 11

PARENTS – Terry and Kristi Foss

SIBLINGS – Owen Foss, age 10

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES – I enjoy drawing, reading, playing basketball, spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, and participating in e-sports.

NOMINATION – "Ava is a hard worker who is always ready for a challenge. She is a problem solver with true grit and determination. With her heart of gold, she is always the first to help a classmate when in need. We are proud of you, Ava. Thank you for making ECMS the very best it can be!"

PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU PERFORMED THE ACT OF KINDNESS – I try my best to be non-judgemental and completely accepting of everyone. I want others around me to be happy, and I feel the best way to accomplish that is to be kind to them. I believe that we should all be treated equally despite our differences.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE VIDEO GAME, BOOK OR TV SHOW? – My favorite video game is Pokemon Unite, and my favorite book is "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? – When I grow up, I want to be either a graphic designer or a lawyer. Graphic design is attractive because I love art and being creative. I feel like I would be a good lawyer though because I love debating and fighting for what is right.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT SCHOOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? – If I could change one thing about school, it would be allowing students to do full-time art or full-time Spanish. In my school, you take art for half the year and Spanish for the other half. I think it would be nice if students were given the choice based on their interests and strengths.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND HOW WOULD YOU USE IT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? – If I could have one power, it would be to communicate with humans that have lived before me. I could use this superpower to learn from them based on what they have done and seen. I could replicate the positive things and avoid negative events in order to make the world a better place. It would also allow me to help others communicate with their loved ones who have already passed.

Other nominations

ALLIANCE

Alliance Middle School

Emma Monday, seventh grade – Emma is the type of student who has a heart of gold; she cares about her fellow students and her teachers. We witness her daily interactions with others where she is actively listening, showing sympathy and offering support. She also has quite the sense of humor!

Gavin Leech, sixth grade – Gavin shows up to school every day with a smile on his face, ready to work and to help others. He consistently takes it upon himself to have newly enrolled students sit with him at lunch and talk to him about AMS and make sure they find their way. He is definitely an example of how to #RepThatA!

CANTON CITY

Crenshaw Middle School

Estrella Imul Pu', eighth grade – Estrella is a joy to have in class. She comes to school each day with a positive attitude and selfless mindset, always willing to help teachers and classmates.

Worley Elementary School

Alixander Gambs, fifth grade – Alix is a kind and thoughtful young man who is always eager to learn, lead by example and look out for his classmates. He’s an active learner and conscientious student.

CANTON LOCAL

Faircrest Memorial Middle School

Faith Fawcett, sixth grade – Faith displays so many admirable character traits every day. She has an incredible work ethic and gives 110% to every task she attempts. In addition, Faith is both attentive to and considerate of others' feelings and wouldn't hesitate to lend a helping hand or caring word. We're lucky to call her a Wildcat!

Dylan Burnworth, sixth grade – Dylan brings an upbeat, gregarious energy to every situation. He is academically driven and has an inquisitive nature that is impressive. Dylan is respectful in all conversations and interactions, and we're happy to call him a Wildcat!

FAIRLESS LOCAL

Fairless Middle School

Mat Largent, eighth grade – Mat is a conscientious student to the max who settles for nothing short of perfection on every task. Mat consistently contributes to class discussions, sharing ideas and valuing the ideas of others.

Rayben Vitt, eighth grade – Rayben strives to always be a leader. His artistic skills are enjoyed by all. He is always happy and friendly to others.

JACKSON LOCAL

Jackson Memorial Middle School

Abby LaPole, eighth grade – Abby always has a smile on her face as she goes about her work at JMMS every day. She is respectful and sets a great example for those around her.

Carter Henson, eighth grade – Carter has a tremendous work ethic and is very conscientious. He goes the extra mile with his classwork and gets along well with his classmates.

LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN

Lily Kane, sixth grade – Lily amazes me with her respectful, cooperative attitude and her thorough, quality schoolwork. She strives for excellence in all she does, and she treats others with kindness and love. What an awesome combination! Lillian is involved in various activities both in and out of school. She gives her all in everything she does.

Jackson Gurnish, eighth grade – Jack is a young man of great character. He is known for his honesty and loyalty to his peers and teachers. He pursues academic excellence while finding time to look for joy in each and every moment. He has a passion for classic rock and sports cars, and cracking jokes to bring a smile to your day! He looks out for those who are marginalized and seeks to encourage those around him. He is a steady rock whose foundation is unshakable.

LAKE LOCAL

Lake Middle/High School

Paige Pribanich and Drew Pribanich, seventh grade – This is a unique situation. Usually, we separate one male student and one female student. However, this month, I have to give recognition to Drew and Paige Pribanich, brother and sister, twins, who couldn’t be any nicer and display great character, integrity and leadership. Drew and Paige have a genuine kindness to them. It starts with their smiles and continues to their engagement in conversations and participation with teachers and students. They have such a likable quality that invites other students to want to be around them. Also, because of their likable qualities, students always have positive things to say about them. They truly are an example of what a positive role model should be. If every brother and sister could demonstrate the same qualities of character, leadership and integrity as Drew and Paige, then parents wouldn’t think parenting is so hard!

LOUISVILLE CITY

Louisville Middle School

Delaney Monroe, eighth grade – Delaney is a shining example of what good character should look like! She is a peacekeeper, advice seeker, role model for students who are always trying to do the right thing. Her encouragement helps all of those around her!

Caleb Hooper, seventh grade – Caleb is an outstanding example of positivity. You can always count on him to spread kindness. Every interaction he has with others is always extremely polite.

MARLINGTON LOCAL

Marlington Middle School

Justine Doringo, seventh grade – Justine comes to school with a positive attitude every day. She is a delightful young lady and a pleasure to have in class. She sets a wonderful example for her peers as she demonstrates hard work and kindness to all those around her. She always goes above and beyond and is not afraid to ask questions when something is not clear. She is also really sweet and helpful with her classmates.

Damon Martin, seventh grade – Damon Martin has a tremendously positive attitude on a daily basis. He has a vibrant personality, showing kindness to his peers and teachers while going the extra mile to help out. Damon has grown leaps and bounds as a student as he participates well in class, and if he doesn't understand something, he will not hesitate to ask for help. Damon is a leader and role model amongst his peers and an absolute delight to have at MMS.

MASSILLON CITY

Massillon Intermediate School

Aiva Williams, sixth grade – Aiva is a very good student, but even more importantly, she is a good person. Before winter break, Aiva would write anonymous letters every day to teachers (she titled them "Dear You"). It would tell the reader what a good teacher they were, don't give up, and how much they were loved. She would put them in a random mailbox to make that person feel appreciated. It was completely done on her own. She is very conscientious about her schoolwork and strives to continue to grow and get better. We are so incredibly proud of Aiva; she is an excellent person of character, and we are lucky to have her at Massillon Intermediate School.

Landon Hose, sixth grade – Landon is a well-rounded individual who excels academically and athletically. He is a true role model to his peers. He can often be found reading, and at the age of 11, he has already published his first book, titled "The Ruins of Sunnyville." Landon is very personable and helpful to those around him. He truly exhibits what it means to be a kid of character.

NORTH CANTON

North Canton Middle School

Jodilyn Simmons, eighth grade – Jodi represents all of the qualities of a highly-motivated student. She is conscientious, shows respect to everyone, displays grit when faced with difficult situations, and has high moral integrity. Jodi is a student who other students look up to because of the way she treats others. All of her teachers find her to be trustworthy and kind. Amazing start to the school year Jodi!

Joshua DeVore, eighth grade – Josh exemplifies how a student should carry himself both inside and outside of the classroom. He is a student that other students look up to because he is kind and trustworthy. He displays grit, respectfulness, and integrity in all aspects of his life. Josh’s teachers feel he is considerate and hard-working. Congratulations and keep up the good work Josh!

NORTHWEST LOCAL

Northwest Middle School

Courtney Byler, eighth grade – Courtney is an outstanding student, and participates in the eighth-grade choir. Outside of school, she is involved with competitive dance, and is the second of three girls. She enjoys beach and camping vacations with her family, and hopes to one day open her own bakery.

Kellan Reinford, eighth grade – Kellan is an honor student who is taking several high-school-level courses. He is the second-oldest of four siblings and enjoys just hanging out with friends. He is unsure of what he would like to do for a living someday, but he knows he wants to study math after high school, and hopes to attend Ohio State.

OSNABURG LOCAL

East Canton Middle School

Ava Foss – Ava is a hard worker who is always ready for a challenge. She is a problem solver with true grit and determination. With her heart of gold, she is always the first to help a classmate when in need. We are proud of you, Ava. Thank you for making ECMS the very best it can be!

Alex Clark – Alex is a true kid of character. He has a kind heart and genuinely cares for others. He is also a determined young man who likes to set goals and works hard to achieve them. We are proud of you, Alex. Thank you for making ECMS the very best it can be!

PERRY LOCAL

Pfeiffer Intermediate School

Lily Wenning, sixth grade – Lily has a positive outlook, and she is determined to be the best she can be academically and socially. She is very sincere and spreads kindness to those around her.

Genoa Elementary School

Griff Branning, fourth grade – Griff Branning has been nominated because he is very kind to his classmates and he is always willing to help. Griff shows respect to his peers, and he demonstrates compassion for others.

PLAIN LOCAL

Middlebranch Elementary School

Kyleigh Blacketer, fourth grade – Kyleigh Blacketer is incredibly passionate about all that she does. She consistently puts forth her best effort and always goes above and beyond both inside and outside of the classroom. She is always respectful, both to peers and teachers.

Barr Elementary School

Franklin Yutzy, fourth grade – Franklin demonstrates role-model behavior inside and outside the classroom, is well-mannered, and respectful to all he interacts with. Franklin’s charismatic personality shines brightly at Barr Elementary, and we wish you all the best as you continue your education at Plain Local!

SANDY VALLEY

Sandy Valley Middle School

Brianna Wheeler – Brianna’s teachers are appreciative of how incredibly helpful she is to others. She plays basketball and volleyball and is a member of the Drama Club and Science Club. Brianna’s favorite subjects are math and science. We are lucky to have Brianna at SVMS!

Cody Peters – Each and every day, Cody demonstrates kindness toward others. His favorite subject is science, and he is a member of the Science Club because he enjoys learning all about fire and fire safety. His goal after graduation is to eventually become a firefighter. Keep up the great work, Cody!

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School

Alyssa Stanek, sixth grade – Alyssa is always very kind and respectful to her classmates and teachers. She is always willing to help others, she works hard in class, and she is a positive role model for her peers.

Alex Eudy, seventh grade – Alex is very kind and respectful. He models great behavior for his classmates and is always a leader.

STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Elementary School

Sophia Natale – Sophia Natale is always doing what is right, even when she thinks no one is watching. She loves learning and always goes the extra mile to find out more.

Luis Santiago Martinez – Luis Santiago Martinez is kind and considerate of others. He offers a helping hand whenever he sees the opportunity. He has a great work ethic and puts forth effort in his studies.

TUSLAW

Tuslaw Middle School

Macy Carmichael, eighth grade – Macy is the kind of person you want in your circle. She is bubbly, intelligent, and always smiling. She is also tech-savvy and uses her time wisely. She is always prepared for classes and is mature beyond her years.

Hunter Arney, eighth grade – Hunter is one of the most level-headed teens you could meet – nothing seems to faze him. He is polite, considerate of others, and always prepared. He gets the job done and never makes excuses; he is a young man who can be counted on and trusted.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Repository Kid of Character: Ava Foss, East Canton Middle