OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER CHARACTER COUNT SCHOLARSHIP CHAMPS RECOGNIZED

This year begins a new expansion to our "Character Count Champions" which, in the past, awarded two scholarships funded by the Mayfield Scholarship Fund of the YMCA. After discussions between the Rotary Club of Canton and the Eric Snow Family YMCA we have decided to further recognize these outstanding students from McKinley Senior High School by creating the "Character Counts Scholarship Program". In the months of October, November, December, February, March and April two students, chosen by teachers and counselors from the school, will each be awarded with a $500 scholarship based on demonstrating leadership, scholastic achievement, personal integrity, and active engagement in their school and community along with demonstrating the 6 pillars of character: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. 

 

The Scholarship grants can be used for students planning on college, trade school training, job skills training, military involvement...whatever the recipients pursue after high school. The students, along with a family member, will be invited to a Rotary meeting and be recognized for their positive accomplishments. The scholarships will be presented to the "Character Champs" at their year-end school assembly.

 

During the November 15, 2019 meeting, Canton Rotarian Mike Brown, who is the Executive Director of the Eric Snow Family Center as well as the "Character Counts" Leader through Canton Rotary, presented the October and November Character Counts Scholarship recipients. The October and November winners were: Madeline Dodson, Kaylee Sinclair, Le'Jan Marshall and Courtland Faulkner.

 

Below is the description of each High School Senior provided by their teacher or counselor from McKinley High School which made them a "Character Counts Scholarship" winner:

 

 

"This Questbridge finalist is the epitome of perseverance. She is an example of not allowing life's circumstances to deter you from your dreams. Madeline has been a member of McKinley's swimming, tennis, and golf teams. Madeline always takes small opportunities and uses them to her advantage. When in elementary school, Madeline watched the show Gilmore Girls, the main character's dream was to go to Harvard and she was accepted into Harvard, and Yale. Ever since then, it has been Madeline's dream to go to Harvard, understanding that it would take a lot of hard work, she had her mind made up. She has taken the most rigorous courses and never gave herself an easy year. She has been extremely organized with her time and obligations. She's had her share of obstacles in life, including losing everything in a fire, but that didn't affect where she wanted to go in her life. She is always in school with a curious and passionate outlook on learning. She has constantly pushed herself to the next level. Madeline hasn't let the hiccups in life define who she is instead she's used them to push her forward to where she wanted to go. Madeline currently has a 4.4 GPA and has applied to Brown, Yale, Harvard, and other Ivy Leagues. We are anxiously awaiting to see if she will be a Questbridge winner. Congratulations Madeline on this great honor."

 

 

"Currently, Kaylee is in our Culinary program and Chef Escola says this about her: Kaylee is an extremely conscientious and caring individual. She shows up on time all the time. When we need volunteers for after school activities she is the first to volunteer and she is the last to leave. She is an absolute asset to our culinary program and will be a valuable asset in the future to her employer. She is a perfectionist in the classroom and in the restaurant. She strives to be great, and it shows!!! Kaylee is working as a hostess at Applebee's and has been saving money for a trip to Colorado to see her mom. Kaylee also enjoys writing, and loves to write about things she is passionate about. Kaylee plans to join the Navy, and pursue medical school with an ROTC program. Kaylee's dream career is to be a neonatal nurse. Thank you for taking pride in our Country and wanting to serve this great nation."

 

 

"All throughout high school Le'Jan has tried his absolute best. He shows character in and outside of school and stands up for what he believes is the right thing. He grew up knowing right from wrong and stands by that. He is seen in the school among adults and peers as a leader. This is important to him because he says "it's hard to become who you really are if you're a follower". He seeks to show people where you can go if you show your true potential. After high school Le'Jan desires to pursue a career in engineering. He wants to be one of the many people who change the world for the better. New things are created everyday to help people and he wants to help create those new things. Le'Jan plans to attend The Ohio State University for mechanical engineering in the Fall of 2020. Congratulations to you Le'Jan, your heart is pure and you truly make our school a better place."

 

 

"Courtland Faulkner enjoys participating in any school event that he has the opportunity to attend. He takes great pride in his school and his grades. He believes that grades reflect how much effort was put into them. Courtland believes that being involved is extremely important whether that be in school, in the community, or in the city. He is a firm believer that as we as individuals should always respect everyone that we come into contact with, regardless of how much tension is between us. Courtland plans to attend college to pursue an engineering degree, particularly mechanical or biomedical. He grew up loving math, science, and solving real world problems so choosing engineering was the uncomplicated decision. As of now he hasn't solidified that fits him best but we are positive that wherever he goes he'll make the best of it. Congratulations Courtland, thank you for always representing McKinley with such pride and class."