March Portrait of a Graduate Honorees

In the Spring of 2019, the London City School District published its Portrait of a Graduate, which highlights the key skills and attitudes necessary for district graduates to have success in college and careers. Our district uses the Portrait of a Graduate to help design meaningful teaching and learning experiences for our students.

The following students were recognized during the March Regular Board of Education meeting for substantially demonstrating the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Congratulations to each of these students!

Jack Bigham - London Elementary School (4th Grade) 

Jack Bigham exemplifies the LCS Portrait of a Graduate. Jack is both an excellent student and a respectful, responsible person. He holds himself to a high standard of achievement and seeks out opportunities to learn higher-level math content. Jack is able to exercise critical thinking making him a great problem solver. He consistently offers strong effort. 

Jack is a kind individual, and he shows respect to himself and others by always doing what is asked of him - following rules, playing fair, completing homework, etc. Jack is also sensitive to others' feelings. He tries very hard to include others in activities. He is an excellent role model.

Jack Bigham a great example for the LCS Portrait of a Graduate and is a wonderful representative of the district! 

Kolby Thoman - London Middle School (8th Grade)

LMS student Kolby Thoman exemplifies all aspects of the district's Portrait of Graduate especially the aspects of being a critical problem-solver, being respectful to himself and others, and striving for high academic achievement.

Kolby is an active participant in the LMS band, a student-athlete in track, where he throws shot-put and discus, and a past participant in the high school musicals Hello Dolly and Newsies. Most recently, at this year's Madison County Spelling Bee, Kolby competed against 58 registered competitors, representing seven schools from five districts. In the end, Kolby took the top honors for his grade level and was the county's overall winner; This is Kolby's third year competing in the county spelling bee. Last year, as a 7th-grader, he took top honors for his grade level. 

Kolby actively applies this same skill set mentioned above in the classroom by taking several HS-level courses (i.e., algebra and Honors ELA), requiring a dedicated, skilled level in literacy, numeracy, and technology and the ability to be flexible and adaptable. This dedication to learning has earned him merit-honor roll distinctions since the 6th grade and membership in the National Junior Honor Society.

Finally, Kolby's dedication to learning extends beyond the classroom to his church. He volunteers his time with the church's kid youth group for 3-5 years old children every Sunday, helping the next generation find confidence and value, which can have long-lasting effects on their success.

Jaiden Ballah - London Unlimited (12th Grade)

Jaiden Ballah is an accomplished senior who has excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. As a 10-year member of the Fairfield Rascals 4-H, Jaiden has won several awards for raising and showcasing various animals at the Madison County Fair. Her participation in 4-H has also helped her develop strong public speaking skills and an outgoing personality.

Jaiden is also an active member of the FFA, having served as Secretary in 2021-2022 and Chapter President in 2022-2023. She will be receiving her FFA State degree in May and has placed 2nd in districts for the FFA interview contest. Additionally, Jaiden has completed 23 college credit hours while still in high school and is currently interning in real estate with Howard Hanna in Hilliard and with Kristina Murphy, a reputable agent who has offered to sponsor her.

Jaiden Ballah's passion, dedication, and hard work have allowed her to achieve great things in agriculture, leadership, and real estate. She is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions and utilizing every opportunity to grow and succeed. Jaiden's future is bright, and she is sure to continue making a positive impact in any field she chooses to pursue.

Kyleigh Wilson - London High School (12th Grade)

London High School is proud to announce Kyleigh Wilson as the Portrait of a Graduate recipient for March. 

Kyleigh is an LHS senior who stays very busy around LHS as she is involved with many clubs and activities while maintaining a 3.81 GPA and ranks 22nd in her class. She has participated in many performing arts productions including the beloved Dorothy Gale in last year’s Spring Musical, The Wizard of Oz. Kyleigh is also part of the Cheer team, Marching Band, Fall Color Guard, Varsity Winter Guard, and Concert Band, and has had roles in many other plays and musicals. 

Kyleigh is the Senior Class Secretary, a member of the Student Council, and a member of the Thespian Society. Academically, Kyleigh has participated in all four courses of the STEM Science Project Lead The Way Pathway with science teacher, Mr. Tyler Wallin as well as all four Spanish courses that are offered at LHS. 

Throughout her time at LHS, Kyleigh has been a great student and role model for others to follow. Her ability to communicate as a member of the Student Council, the relationships she builds in all of her activities, the high integrity she consistently displays in school, and her ability to be a role model for lifelong learners create an ideal candidate for this honor. Kyleigh plans on studying law while in college and has narrowed her decisions between The University of Dayton and Wright State University.