Students thanked for positive attitudes

Amanda Bennington, a North Aiken Elementary School teacher, will probably get a hug Monday from Niyah Swinger, one of her second-graders.

Niyah's mom, Sharonda Swinger, and grandmother, Georgia Graham, are likely to do so as well after reading Bennington's letter of nomination at the annual Celebration of Character event at St. Mary Help of Christians School on Saturday.

The Joint Women's Clubs of Aiken have sponsored the celebration for more than a decade and this weekend recognized more than 200 public, private and home-school students selected for the positive traits they exhibit at school and beyond. In addition to certificates and other gifts, all of the nominating letters were displayed on a wall for students and their families to read.

Even the entertainment was kid-themed. The Chukker Creek Elementary School vocal group of fourth- and fifth-graders, the "Boundary Boys," provided several selections.

Swinger and Graham couldn't stop smiling as they read Bennington's comments about Niyah's determination, generosity and obedience.

"She is an amazing young girl," Bennington wrote. "She has the potential do anything she wishes. I hope that one day I will get the joy of seeing her succeed as I know she can in life."

That prompted Swinger to embrace her daughter warmly.

"Niyah always does her best," she said. "She goes above and beyond, and I'm very proud of her."

The Celebration of Character program came out of a steering committee chaired by Aiken Mayor Fred Cavanaugh while establishing the city's Character First program in 1999, said Judy Cross, an Aiken Woman's Club member. Another member, Betty Thomason, said the event is also a tribute to the parents and community residents who mentor young people.

"We've recognized more than 3,200 young people for exhibiting good character," said Cross. "Recognizing outstanding character is the best possible way to celebrate."

Also participating in the ceremony were Cavanaugh, Aiken County School Board Chair Dr. Christine Harkins and Aiken City Manager Roger LeDuc. Good character, said the mayor, "brings communities together. It brings unity and harmony to schools and keeps families strong."

As a retired school administrator and teacher, Harkins said, she knows how appreciated and loved students who demonstrate positive character traits are.

"Thank you for being good role models in your schools," she said. "This signifies you have chosen to make good choices."

At Aiken Elementary School, teacher Caroline Rennhack described William Inman as an excellent example of a good citizen.

"Throughout the year," Rennhack wrote, "William has shown compassion, determination, gratitude, generosity, fairness, hope and obedience."

Kacee Poppy, a South Aiken High School science teacher, appreciates sophomore Tri Vo's willingness to learn and work.

"Tri is very consistent and mature for a 10th grader," Poppy wrote. "He is an absolute dream to teach, and his positive attitude has made my job more enjoyable this year."

The other organizations that compose the Joint Women's Clubs include the Aiken Chapter of Links, Aiken Christian Woman's Connection, Aiken Junior Woman's Club, Cedar Creek Ladies Club, Aiken Newcomer's Club, Pilot Club of Aiken, Preceptor Alpha Eta - Beta Sigma Phi, Sand River Woman's Club, Town and Country Club and Women of Woodside.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.