Synchrony Financial Kid of Character: Deontay Malone, Massillon Schools
NAME – Deontay Malone
SCHOOL – Massillon Junior High School
RESIDENCE – Massillon
AGE – 14
PARENTS – Mylana Malone and Freddie Lenix
SIBLINGS – Mylen Lenix and Freddie Lenix
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES – Indoor track, outdoor track, football
NOMINATION – "He participates in several sports, is a great friend to his classmates and teammates and is always respectful regardless of what environment he is in. He is a student that doesn’t give up easily and is a great example to those around him."
PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU PERFORMED THE ACT OF KINDNESS – I love to be kind, because, in general, I can't be mean. I love to see people and I love to bring joy and respect.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE VIDEO GAME, BOOK OR TV SHOW? – My favorite video game is Call of Duty, I don't have a favorite book, and my favorite show is “Life.”
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? – When I grow up I want to be an NFL player, one of the best in history, or a track star.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT SCHOOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? – We should have airpods in when we are in the hallways so it could be not so loud.
IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND HOW WOULD YOU USE IT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? – To be smart so I can figure out how to move people to Mars.
Other nominees
ALLIANCE
Morgan Weaver, fourth grade, Alliance Intermediate – Morgan is always smiling and goes out of her way to show kindness to students and adults at AIS. She is an extremely hard worker and a role model to all!
Auryn L'Opez, fifth grade, Alliance Intermediate – It may be hard to find a student with a bigger heart than Auryn. He is funny, genuinely caring, and authentic to his true self. We could all benefit to have even an ounce of his personality!
CANTON CITY
Niah Isom, sixth grade, Patrick Elementary – She is always looking to help other students and is always following the expectations. In and out of the school building, she is an amazing leader, exceptionally bright and so very kind.
Carlo Virola, seventh grade, Early College Middle School at Lehman – He is involved in student council and MSAN. He is hard-working, kind and polite to his fellow students.
CANTON LOCAL
Italina Sabatino, sixth grade, Canton South Middle – Italina has so many talents! She willingly pursues a variety of skills and gives an impressive amount of dedication to everything she sets her mind to! Additionally, she is kind, compassionate, and always willing to share her talents or lend a helping hand.
Mason Cline, sixth grade, Canton South Middle – Mason is an articulate, thoughtful, and caring young man. He always applies himself inside the classroom and is willing to lend a hand to others at any time.
FAIRLESS LOCAL
Adelyn Peterson, seventh grade, Fairless Middle – Adelyn is inquisitive and asks thought-provoking questions. She is driven to learn more about the topics we are learning.
Jaxon Berresford, sixth grade, Fairless Middle – Jaxon is a hard-working young man who strives for excellence in all he does. When he is absent, he checks to see what occurred in the class and emails teachers to ensure he is on the right track. During class, Jaxon is actively engaged in discussions and a role model for his peers.
JACKSON LOCAL
Claire Hamilton, fourth grade, Sauder Elementary – Claire is kind and accepting of others. She is also flexible and always remains positive.
LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN
Callie Bailey, seventh grade – Callie demonstrates a concern for her peers, her teachers, and her personal walk with Jesus. She is respectful of adults and works hard as a student.
Ty Hulse, seventh grade – Ty has a heart for people and desires to seek out honesty and truth. He is a leader, and his optimism is contagious.
LAKE LOCAL
Kendall Staten, sixth grade, Lake Middle/High – Kendall is a very sweet girl who is always standing up for what is right. She is an excellent role model to those around her and excels as a leader in her safety-patrol duty.
Cohen Coblentz, sixth grade, Lake Middle/High – Cohen is an outstanding student who exceeds our district’s expectations of being respectful, responsible and safe. Cohen is always willing to be a friend to everyone and always gives a helping hand to those in need.
LOUISVILLE CITY
Jaleia Jones, fifth grade, Louisville Elementary – Jaleia is very kind and caring. She goes above and beyond to make the people around her feel wanted and accepted. She always tries hard to do her best. Her smile and positive attitude are truly contagious and a gift to anyone she comes in contact with.
MASSILLON CITY
Makenna Radel, eighth grade, Massillon Junior High – Makenna is one of the absolute most conscientious students! She is attentive to detail on every assignment, test, quiz, and class discussion. She is a role model in the classroom. Makenna is polite, kind, and can always be counted on.
Deontay Malone, eighth grade, Massillon Junior High – Deontay Malone is an extremely kind, responsible and well-rounded young man. He participates in several sports, is a great friend to his classmates and teammates and is always respectful regardless of what environment he is in. He is a student who doesn’t give up easily and is a great example to those around him.
MINERVA LOCAL
Ava Bess, sixth grade, Minerva Middle – Ava can be counted on to follow every detail of each assignment. She is the greatest pleasure to teach and work with. She is kind to all and makes friends easily. Ava will stick with a project until it is done. A great student and person, in every way.
Hudson Peterson, sixth grade, Minerva Middle – Hudson is one of the hardest workers in the sixth grade. He does everything you ask him to do and then more. Not only is Hudson a great student in the classroom, he is also just a great young man to be around. Thank you for all your hard work and continue to be a great leader in the sixth grade.
NORTH CANTON CITY
Quinn Seidel, seventh grade, North Canton Middle – Quinn is such a friendly, kind, positive student. She is always the first to volunteer to help others and to put forth 110% in all that she does.
Brett O'Donnell, seventh grade, North Canton Middle – Brett is a such a kind, respectful student. He is a hard worker and takes pride in everything that he accomplishes.
NORTHWEST LOCAL
Mallory Echelberger, eighth grade, Northwest Middle – Mallory is an outstanding student who is very active in sports and the arts. As a member of the middle school choir, Mallory has performed in many shows over the last two years. She is also a member of the volleyball and basketball teams. She enjoys working on puzzles in her spare time, and hopes to one day attend college to play basketball and study for a career in medicine.
Kane Watson, eighth grade, Northwest Middle – Kane is a kind young man and excellent student who plays football and wrestles. In his spare time, he volunteers as a coach for the local youth football team and helps to run youth wrestling tournaments. Kane reports that he loves being around people, and would love to one day play sports in college and study oceanography or medicine.
OSNABURG LOCAL
Elizabeth Dimmerling, fifth grade, East Canton Elementary – East Canton Elementary is honored to recognize Miss Elizabeth Dimmerling as a Kid of Character! Besides being a model student and continually exhibiting kindness and respect to others, Elizabeth is very involved in 4-H, where she shows animals annually at the Stark County Fair. Elizabeth is also a student of piano, and she has performed at a variety of venues, including East Canton’s Veterans Day Breakfast. Elizabeth is a well-rounded individual who takes pride in her work and her efforts to treat others with respect. Thank you, Elizabeth for showing Hornet Pride as a Kid of Character!
Nolan Rinehart, fifth grade, East Canton Elementary – East Canton Elementary is excited to recognize Mr. Nolan Rinehart is a Kid of Character! Nolan is extremely responsible and respectful at all times in and out of the classroom. He is a quiet leader among his classmates, yet his presence and example speak volumes. Nolan is an excellent student in school, and outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball and hunting. He is always willing to lend a helping hand whether it be to his teachers, other students, or family. Thank you, Nolan for shining your light at East Canton Elementary and beyond. You truly are a “Kid of Character”!
PERRY LOCAL
Harper Ayers, fifth grade, Pfeiffer Intermediate – Harper is one of the best students/kiddos I know. She is always on task, a kind friend, volunteers to participate, and is the epitome of a hard worker.
Jesse Wolf, fourth grade, Genoa Elementary – Jesse is a ray of sunshine to everyone in the building, smiling and sharing his unique sense of humor every day. Jesse gives his all and then some to be his very best daily.
PLAIN LOCAL
Salome Hayward, eighth grade, Oakwood – Salome is a modest and kind soul who is always willing to offer a helping hand to staff and students. She has a maturity beyond her age, has integrity to do the right things when no one is looking, and displays exceptional leadership qualities in and out of the classroom. She is a peer leader for Sources of Strength impacting change at Oakwood. She was also a student ambassador on behalf of our partner TomTod Ideas. Salome is a true kid of character!
Alex Mayle, sixth grade, Glenwood – Alex hardworking, respectful and cooperative. He goes out of his way to put his education first and isn’t afraid to advocate for himself and others. Alex truly is an example of a SOARing Glenwood Eagle.
SANDY VALLEY
Kylee Cleaver, eighth grade, Sandy Valley Middle – Kylee Cleaver is a Kid of Character because she always works hard and believes in the importance of showing kindness to others. She is a member of yearbook, Student Council, Science Club, and dance. One of her main goals is to study sport smedicine or physical therapy at Ohio University. When she’s not working hard at school, she spends her free time hanging out with friends, doing arts and crafts, and baking. SVMS is very proud of Kylee!
Ben Gibson, eighth grade, Sandy Valley Middle – Ben Gibson is a great Kid of Character because he is a hard worker and believes in the importance being respectful. His school activities include band and cross country. One of his main goals for the future is to study electrical engineering at Kent State University. In his free time, he enjoys running, video games, and swimming. One thing he wishes to change about the world is for people to stop hurting each other. Ben is a truly kind Cardinal!
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Bella Bacorn, eighth grade, St. Thomas Aquinas Middle – Bella Bacorn is a hard worker, extremely kind, and a great role model. You can always count on Bella to do the right thing! She is truly a pleasure to have in class.
Laterrion Davis, seventh grade, St. Thomas Aquinas Middle – Laterrion Davis is kind and respectful to his classmates and teachers. He is a conscientious student who takes his schoolwork very seriously. He can always make you laugh and is a great addition to our class!
STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Madison Scott, eighth grade, St. Michael – I feel she should be acknowledged for being a role model to others at St. Michael School. Our school has students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The older students have expectations to help the younger students. Madison goes above and beyond to help her kindergarten buddies. She is interactive with them and seeks their feedback when working on projects. Madison keeps a close eye on her buddies when they are together in church, making sure that they are following along and actively participating. I can count on her to be modeling the appropriate behavior for her younger buddies. They, in turn, admire and look up to her. They are excited to see her, and she never fails to greet them with a hug and a reassuring smile. In kindergarten, Madison was shy and quiet but always a student willing to work hard. It has been so nice to see her grow into such a kind and caring young lady. I am especially happy to see the leadership role that she has taken in her class. She is an important member of the student council, and it is very clear that she is invested in the success of her school and fellow students. Madison has had her own personal challenges with the loss of her father at a very young age. She has faced her adversities with courage and grace. Madison has remained positive and caring throughout all of her years at St. Michael School. I think this is a testament to her true character, which is one of integrity and compassion.
CJ McAfee, fourth grade, St. Michael – I nominate CJ McAfee for the Canton Repository Kid of Character. CJ is a kid with character because he is caring and considerate of others on a daily basis. In addition to working very hard in the classroom academically and listening intently to instruction, CJ is always aware of his classmates around him. He is the first to jump up and help if someone drops an item. He is the first to offer help to his teachers. He always volunteers to assist others or clean up. He is aware if someone isn't feeling well or if they look like they are down, and he asks them how they are. Every day coming into class, CJ says hello to me, his teacher, and when leaving class, he stops and thanks me. CJ offers his talents to our school and church. He volunteers to sing in the children's choir and often leads songs during our school Masses. CJ does not allow his talents to go to waste. CJ also cares about the community around him. Each summer, CJ and his brother Cree run a lemonade stand. The proceeds from the lemonade stand are donated to local families battling cancer. CJ and his brother Cree raised more than $2,000 for families in need through the Little Pink Ribbon Girl Foundation. Every day, CJ exhibits character, values, kindness and love to our school community and the greater Canton community. CJ is a true kid of character, and St. Michael School is lucky to have him as a student. He is an example to all of us.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Synchrony Financial Kid of Character: Deontay Malone, Massillon Schools
