Canton Repository Kid of Character: KD Blackford, St. Thomas Aquinas

NAME – Kadarious Blackford (He prefers to use KD as his first name)

SCHOOL – St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School

RESIDENCE – Canton

AGE – 14

PARENT – Mother, Tessa Bowman

SIBLINGS – One brother, one sister

NOMINATION – “He is respectful, a good friend, and always engaged in activities for school. He demonstrates leadership and responsibility.”

PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU PERFORMED THE ACT OF KINDNESS? – My mom has always taught us to be a good person no matter what.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE VIDEO GAME, BOOK OR TV SHOW? – Video game, Fortnite. Favorite movie, “Alone.” Favorite sport, basketball.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? – I would like to be a car influencer on social media, or even a mechanic.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT SCHOOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? – School is pretty good as it is. I wouldn’t change a thing.

IF YOU COULD HAVE A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND HOW WOULD YOU USE IT TO CHANGE THE WORLD? – I would like to have a lot of strength or ability to fly. That way I could help people do things that a regular human being could not do.

Other nominees

ALLIANCE

Aubree Ross, fourth grade, Alliance Intermediate School − Aubree is always quick to help her classmates and treats everyone with respect and kindness. Her compassion and selflessness make her a role model for those around her.

Zackary Anstine, fifth grade, Alliance Intermediate School − Zackary is always polite, kind and respectful to adults and peers. His outstanding classroom behavior and ability to follow AIS expectations in all areas creates a positive and safe learning environment for everyone.

CANTON CITY

Jamie Dalo, sixth grade, McGregor − Jamie’s interest in science is contagious. She shares this enthusiasm with others and helps others to find success. She is a hard-working student with a bright future in our school district.

Abdoulaye Larabou, sixth grade, STEAMM Academy − Abdoulaye is a hard worker who is always respectful toward his peers and his teachers. He has a great attitude toward learning and is a very enjoyable student to have in the classroom.

CANTON LOCAL

Eliana Risaliti - sixth grade, Canton South Middle School − Ellie shines in every class with dedication and hard work, setting a remarkable example for her peers. Her positive attitude, unwavering helpfulness, and commitment to excellence make her a standout member of our school community!

Larry Fields, sixth grade, Canton South Middle School − We are thrilled to welcome Larry into the Wildcat family this year! He embodies the essence of a diligent and enthusiastic learner, showcasing remarkable dedication, genuine respect for his teachers, and unwavering perseverance!

FAIRLESS LOCAL

Lillian Foster, sixth grade, Fairless Middle School − Lily has a cheerful, pleasant disposition and enters each classroom with a smile on her face and a positive outlook for the day. Lily advocates for herself and actively engages in classroom discussions. She is a kind young lady to anyone she encounters.

Chase Smith, seventh grade, Fairless Middle School − Chase is a bright, dependable student. He is always on task, very respectful and helpful to his teachers and peers, and does a great job with his academics.

JACKSON LOCAL

Nadia Watts-Jackson, Jackson High School − Nadia participated in our Jackson Academy for Global Studies, the Jackson School for the Arts, and the Lake Legal Studies Career Tech program. To be able to balance all these activities along with serving as the Student Council vice president, among other extracurriculars, is inspiring to our staff and students.

Michael Woodward, Jackson High School − Michael is an exceptional young man who is a well-rounded and hard-working student. Michael recently gave a presentation to our staff at a professional development day regarding students who stutter in school, which was extremely powerful and impactful.

LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Cora Lang, fifth grade, Lake Center Christian School − Cora serves as a leader for her classmates. She is compassionate and kind, always looking toward the needs of others above herself. Cora is confident in who she is and what she stands for and is not swayed by the actions of others.

Carson Collins, seventh grade, Lake Center Christian School − Carson is a hard worker, has a kind demeanor, and is always eager to participate in class. Despite any circumstances or challenges that he is facing, he always has a great attitude.

LAKE LOCAL

Lillian Wartko, sixth grade, Lake Elementary School − We appreciate Lilly's hard work and desire to be successful at school. When others are not participating, Lilly can be found eagerly raising her hand to provide an answer. In addition to working hard in the classroom, Lilly also helps clean up the classroom at the end of the school day. Lilly goes above and beyond our expectations here at school.

Matthew Carney, sixth grade, Lake Elementary School − Matthew is an enthusiastic learner who is always engaged in the classroom. He is inquisitive and puts his best foot forward on each assignment. Beyond that, he is willing to help adults and peers when the need arises. We can count on Matthew to be trustworthy and always do the right thing at school.

LOUISVILLE

Grady Troyer, seventh grade, Louisville Middle School − Grady exemplifies outstanding qualities as a friendly and welcoming young man at LMS. He consistently goes above and beyond to extend greetings to everyone and is quick to offer assistance to those in need. Grady's genuine kindness and willingness to help make him a standout Kid of Character within our school community.

MARLINGTON LOCAL

Myla Christian, seventh grade, Marlington Middle School − Myla is a hard worker and positive role model in and out of the classroom. She does a great job at school, and she is respected by students and teachers alike. We're proud of Myla!

Brady Griggs, seventh grade, Marlington Middle School − Brady is an active and hard-working seventh grader. In addition to being successful in the classroom and in extracurricular activities, Brady helps out in the office and other classrooms at school.

MASSILLON

Hayzell Gorkos, sixth grade, Massillon Intermediate School − Hayzell Gorkos is a member of the choir and band. Hayzell goes about her day with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She’s more than willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She is responsible, respectful, and kind. Hayzell has a bright personality that is infectious to others. She knows who she is and stands true to that. She exemplifies what it means to be a good student and work hard. We are so proud to have her in our district.

Erian McCray, sixth grade, Massillon Intermediate School − Erian McCray shows character daily. He is actively involved in MANY sports but still manages to keep his grades up. He is helpful and kind to others and really lifts your mood. When faced with adversity, he still stands tall and pushes through. His smile is contagious, and his fun personality will make you laugh. Erian displays on a daily basis what it means to be a Tiger.

MINERVA LOCAL

Willow Elliott, sixth grade, Minerva Middle School − Willow is a hard worker. She is always paying attention, participating, completing her work, and trying her best. Willow is the first student to volunteer and help out when it is needed

Richard Greer, sixth grade, Minerva Middle School − Ricky is a great example of a hard-working student. He puts great effort into every assignment and is quick to help his peers. Ricky never shows up with a negative attitude and is always a delight to talk to.

NORTH CANTON

Sawyer Jenkins, third grade, North Canton Intermediate School − Sawyer Jenkins is an amazing role model to all her fellow students and gives her absolute best every day, goes out of her way to help others, and shows compassion and empathy toward others. She is willing to work with all classmates and is driven to learn as much as possible by constantly going above and beyond what is required or asked of her to do. Sawyer often performs random acts of kindness to make staff and students feel special, which truly makes her special and appreciated at North Canton Intermediate School.

Josiah Carmany, fifth grade, North Canton Intermediate School − Josiah Carmany is an enthusiastic student who always goes above and beyond to lend a helping hand or to extend kindness or encouragement to other students. He always treats others with great respect and dignity, is truly genuine and humble, and does the right thing even when no one is watching! Josiah is also a hard-working and eager participant in the classroom who also serves as a Student Council representative. Lastly, he is someone his teachers and peers can count on every day and is admired because of his quiet confidence!

NORTHWEST LOCAL

Norah Bowling, eighth grade, Northwest Middle School − Norah is an excellent student who displays good decision making and excellent behavior. A competition dancer outside of school, most of her time is spent practicing and preparing for upcoming dance events. She is also a member of the school choir. Norah is undecided about her future after high school but does plan to attend college.

Joey Harbour, eighth grade, Northwest Middle School − Joe is a kind young man with a great wit and is well liked by teachers and students. Outside of school, he is interested in video gaming and role-playing games with his friends. He hopes to attend college one day to study technology.

PERRY LOCAL

Cora Branning, fourth grade, Genoa Elementary − Cora Branning's dedication to her studies is awe-inspiring, and her hard work sets a shining example for everyone around her. Though she may be soft-spoken, her kindness speaks volumes, touching the hearts of those who know her. Her commitment to excellence and her unwavering kindness makes her a true role model.

Jackson Raber, third grade, Lohr Elementary − Jackson Raber's positive attitude is hard to miss and helps to make Lohr such a positive place to be! Jackson is always trying his best to be kind, polite, a good listener, and to show respect to others.

PLAIN LOCAL

Angel Dunn, sixth grade, Glenwood − Angel is an independent, self-motivated, and positive individual. School is her top priority. Angel always makes the best decisions for her environment, and she doesn’t let anyone take away from her learning.

DeMarlo Rozier, eighth grade, Oakwood − DeMarlo Rozier is a very respectful, kind, and hard-working student. He is a positive role model, leader, and very athletic, participating in football and basketball.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Jessica Cabrera, St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School − She is kind, responsible, and respectful to her classmates and teachers. She is a leader for her class.

Kadarious Blackford, St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School − He is respectful, a good friend, and always engaged in activities for school. He demonstrates leadership and responsibility.

STARK COUNTY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Hunter DeLong, fifth grade, St. James School − Hunter shows exemplary character and interpersonal skills. He is an impressive young man and has a strong value system that serves as his foundation.

TUSLAW

Mariah Warner, sixth grade, Tuslaw Middle School − Mariah shows up to every class prepared and ready to learn. She is respectful and kind, always looking to help someone else. Her teachers appreciate the hard work and dedication she applies to each class.

Kaiden Reyes, sixth grade, Tuslaw Middle School − Kaiden started attending Tuslaw partway through the school year and has thrived due to his participation and dedication to his own education. He is not afraid to ask for help or to help others. His kindness and respectfulness stand out.

SANDY VALLEY LOCAL

Broderick Haney, sixth grade, Sandy Valley Middle School − Broderick is this month's Kid of Character because he is always beaming with positivity and is a role model for others! Broderick likes to play video games, solve Rubix Cubes, and has played a lot of different sports, but is currently playing soccer. He believes having good character means having a pleasant and peaceful life. He aspires to have a career in either carpentry or engineering. We are lucky to have Broderick at SVMS!

Sydney Moll, sixth grade, Sandy Valley Middle School − Sydney's smile lights up the hallway and she spreads kindness wherever she goes. Sydney plays softball, basketball, and volleyball. Her hobbies are painting and doing makeup. Sydney states that having good character means being respectful to everyone and making good choices. Syndey would like to be a labor and delivery nurse in the future. Thank you for sharing your smile with us every day, Sydney!

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Meet KD Blackford, honored student from St. Thomas Aquinas