During the March 15, 2019 meeting, Rotarian Mike Brown introduced the February and March Character Count recipients from McKinley High School, Jennifer Chora, Antonio Owens and Kennedy Williams.
JENNIFER CHORA
Jennifer moved to Ohio at the close of her Junior year. She had no friends or family in the high school building. It would have been easy for Jennifer to become isolated and fade into the background. Instead, Jennifer has made the most of her time there, and has truly become a standout in our building and in the community. The resilience, grit, and drive she exhibits cannot be taught, it’s birthed within a person. Obstacles and challenges have not deterred Jennifer from pursuing her dreams and goals. She has excelled academically, currently holding a 3.9 GPA, but she is also a genuinely a good person with a compassionate heart.She is currently participating in our Rising Stars Community program which takes our upperclassmen into the Canton City elementary schools to be mentors and tutors. When her direct supervisor was asked about her thoughts and feelings about Jennifer her response was, “ I am VERY impressed! She is well-spoken and polite, is interactive with the students and courteous to both the students and the adults that are involved with the After School Program. She converses with adults easily and is outgoing. Again, I'm impressed!” Jennifer, you continue to make us proud in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you for your commitment to showing respect, fairness, and caring everywhere you go!
ANTONIO OWENS
Antonio is a young man of incredible talents, low key demeanor, and is always interested in how things work. Antonio is a member of National Honor Society, Ohio State University Young Scholars Program, and has participated in Buckeye Boys State. In addition to his academic talents, Antonio volunteers at Refuge of Hope. He also had 30 Valentines sent anonymously to students at McKinley who might not normally had have a Valentine, just to brighten up their day. Antonio will attend The Ohio State University this fall and major in Mechanical Engineering. Congratulations to Antonio Owens.KENNEDY WILLIAMS
Kennedy has been a standout student at McKinley. She is a proud member of the McKinley Singers and has been singing since elementary school.You may have recently seen her sing the national anthem at the Cleveland Cavs game. Her performances do not stop there. She also sings in many performances at McKinley, including at graduation, where she sang a solo, “Rise Up.” You may also run into her at Woody’s Root Beer Stand where she is a server and a cook.
Kennedy has a 3.2 Grade Point Average and has been taking College Credit Plus courses in Photography and Graphic Arts.
Kennedy’s plans after graduation are to possibly attend Tiffin University. Her major is undecided but she has many interests that include music and performing arts.