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Two from Johnston recieve State Recognition

Sam Sparland, who is a ninth grade student at Johnston Middle School was recently named the winner of the Youth Character Award presented by the Institute for Character Development.  This award is given to one young person in the entire state each year.

Sam is an outstanding young person of character who models the six Pillars of Character at home, at school, and in the Johnston community.  He is a very involved student who spends hours in activities while maintaining straight A grades.  He has been president of TSA, a participant in Lego League, History Day, and Mock Trial.  He has also been active in the music department’s choirs and bands.  In addition, he has served as his grade level representative for the School Improvement Advisory Committee. 

Sam has been a counselor for the Living History Farms summer camp program, Camp Intervention at Summit Middle School, and Safety Town.  He has been a webmaster and advises new webmasters during their summer training.  Sam has organized service projects for Walk for Life and the food pantry.

Sam goes above and beyond expectations in all activities such as printing out certificates with personal notes for youngsters participating in Safety Town and being a state finalist for History Day.  He takes responsibility for his actions, he is respectful to classmates and staff at school and to his parents, and he listens with an open mind.  He does the right thing for the right reason.  If you do no harm and do good deeds instead, you will be happy.  This result is evident in Sam’s smiles, in the encouragement he gives to those around him, and in the enthusiastic attitude he shows as he lives his daily life.

Brian Carico, Middle School Principal, is being awarded the Champion of Character Award this year by the Institute of Character Development.  This award is presented to an Iowan who is making a commitment to their community through use and promotion of the Six Pillars of Character.  Mr. Carico is an active member of the Johnston Alliance for Character Development, developed the Little League Character All-Star Recognition program, works with the Young Leaders of Character program and has made character education an integral part of the middle school experience.

Both Brian and Sam were recognized at the Character Awards Banquet.