Community Builders From Donovan Elementary
The Lebanon City School District Board of Education members celebrated nine students from Donovan Elementary School as COMMUNITY BUILDERS during their meeting February 17. The following students were honored: Kennedy Foltz, Henry Griffith, Zaiden Howard, Brookelyn Roark, Reece Roberts, Marissa Sayers, Caius Spivey, and Lyla Sprague.
The recognition event, sponsored by Whit's, honors students and staff who live out the mission of Lebanon City Schools. A community builder is someone who cares about their community and takes action to make it better. These students have contributed to their classrooms, buildings, and the Lebanon community in ways that nurture kindness, service to others, and mutual respect.
Congratulations to all for this honor!
Here's more information about each Community Builder:
Reece Roberts - Reece is a strong community builder who consistently demonstrates kindness, service, and respect in the classroom. She is highly aware of others’ needs and quietly offers support, such as sitting beside a classmate who felt overwhelmed and helping them understand directions while offering encouragement. Reece makes a point to include all students during group work, classroom activities, and recess, ensuring no one feels left out. She listens respectfully to her peers and helps resolve small conflicts in a calm, thoughtful way. A defining quality of Reece’s leadership is her humility; although she excels academically and socially, she never seeks attention or makes others feel less. Reece models respectful behavior during discussions by listening carefully and responding thoughtfully, even when she disagrees. She takes initiative to care for shared spaces and classroom materials without being asked. She encourages her peers with positive words that build confidence and motivation. Through her actions and attitude, Reece creates a classroom community where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected.
Kennedy Foltz - Throughout the year, Kennedy has shown consistent kindness and empathy towards everyone in her classes. When other students are upset, she has gone out of her way to comfort and show support to those who need it. A few weeks ago, there was a student who was a little overwhelmed with catch up work from being absent. Kennedy went out of her way to write an encouraging note on the whiteboard in front of her, telling her that she could do it. The student was able to find comfort in her confidence and push through more of her work. Kennedy is always willing to help others out with school work and lend a helping hand to teachers. When there are small things around the classroom that need to be kept up with (like calendar changes, special rotations, timers being set, etc.), she takes initiative to do it herself or remind the teachers that it was forgotten. She has such a positive attitude and is very deserving of this recognition.
Caius Spivey - Caius is not only a great student but also an extremely kind and helpful student. One of the things that stands out about Caius is that he is extremely supportive and encouraging to others. Recently, a new student joined the classroom and Caius was the first one to jump right in and volunteer to work with this student to get them caught up. Caius is not easily flustered, he is always able to go with the flow and work with anyone he is paired with. Caius is one of the most well rounded students. He is not someone who likes to stand out or necessarily be the center of attention. He does not always raise his hand but it is not because he does not know the answer, it is simply because he does not seek to be the center of attention. However, when called upon, he is always willing to offer a solid response. In a world often focused on “me,” Caius is about “we.” He gets along with everyone, is willing to listen, gives 100%, and is always responsible.
Henry Griffith - Henry is a true community builder who brings positivity, respect, and consistency to his school each day. He reliably follows both school-wide and classroom expectations, making him a strong role model for his peers. Henry shows genuine respect for others by listening attentively, never interrupting, and thoughtfully waiting for his turn to contribute. He values his classmates’ ideas and helps create an environment where everyone feels heard. Each morning, Henry brightens the classroom by greeting teachers with a warm smile and a friendly “good morning.” He comes to class prepared, follows directions the first time they are given, and approaches learning with a positive attitude. Henry puts forth exceptional effort on assignments and projects, always striving to do his best. He is also quick to offer help to classmates, often stepping in without being asked. Through his kindness, responsibility, and quiet leadership, Henry helps make the classroom a welcoming and supportive place. He is an outstanding student who truly deserves recognition for the way he strengthens our school community every day.
Marissa Sayers - Marissa consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her in the classroom. One moment that truly reflects Marissa's character is how she quietly supports others without seeking recognition. Whether it's helping a classmate understand an assignment, welcoming others into group work, or taking initiative to make her classroom a better place, Marissa consistently demonstrates and nurtures kindness, service and mutual respect. When she finishes her assigned work, she regularly asks for additional challenges, showing a genuine love of learning and a desire to grow rather than simply doing the minimum required. Her actions positively impact her classroom community and sets a positive example for others to follow.
Brookelyn Roark - Brooke is a dedicated community builder who consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities to support others. Brooke is patient and inclusive, always making sure all students feel welcomed and have opportunities to participate. She regularly assists students who need additional support without being asked, offering calm, friendly, and compassionate support. When students become overwhelmed, Brooke takes initiative to help de-escalate situations and provide reassurance. During a group research project, she worked closely with a student who had fallen behind, helping them regain confidence and complete their work. Brooke’s everyday actions contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment for all. She builds strong connections with peers through her kindness, empathy, and willingness to listen. Her sense of responsibility and care extends beyond the classroom, reflecting the same compassion she shows at school. Brooke consistently models respect, patience, and understanding. Through her positive attitude and nurturing spirit, she strengthens the school community. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a Community Builder.
Lyla Sprague - Lyla is a wonderful student. She is kind, bright, respectful, and everything you would expect a Community Builder to be. Whether it is academically or socially, she is always ready to help a friend in need. One time she saw a classmate struggling to figure out the directions to an assignment, and she jumped right in to help without being asked. That's the kind of person Lyla is, someone who is ready to do the right thing without needing to be asked or wanting to be recognized. She truly helps others because it is the right thing to do. Lyla sets the standard for what makes a Community Builder with her positive attitude, consideration of others, willingness to help, and desire for learning.
Zaiden Howard - Zaiden’s curiosity and love of learning are evident throughout the classroom and he inspires those around him. After learning about sundials during a Native American unit, he eagerly extended his learning by creating his own sundial at home, then proudly shared his thinking with others. In math, Zaiden seeks out challenges with enthusiasm and is currently working through advanced logic problems, modeling perseverance and a growth mindset for his peers. His positive attitude and excitement for learning make him a natural role model. Just as impressive is the way Zaiden builds community through kindness and leadership. He is deeply aware of others and makes it a priority to ensure everyone feels included during class activities and at recess. If a classmate is sitting alone or without a partner, Zaiden is quick to step in and invite them to join. He supports and encourages others without being asked, leading with empathy and confidence. Through his curiosity, compassion, and initiative, Zaiden helps create a classroom where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and inspired.
