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!
Kholson Edwards (3rd) - London Elementary School
According to a Google search, the definition of resilience is: " the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness." There is no one else who has had to do that the way Kohlson Edwards has had to do this year. Kohlson exemplifies resilience daily, adapting to immense physical and emotional challenges all while still showing up and ready to learn after school hours. Kohlson is not attending school hours with friends and his sister, but instead he has shown flexibility in his schedule and a desire to continue to grow academically and socially. He demonstrates exceptional academic ability and thrives on new challenges, approaching each task with curiosity and determination. Kohlson’s positive attitude, growth mindset, and persistence make him not only a pleasure to teach but also a true portrait of a graduate.
Milla Byrd (8th) - London Middle School
Milla has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, earning Merit Honor Roll recognition since 6th grade. She continues to challenge herself by taking Honors English Language Arts, Algebra, and High School Band while still in middle school. Her success reflects strong literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. English Language Arts is her favorite subject, where she especially enjoys reading, writing, and expressing her ideas.
Milla is also highly involved in her school community. She has served on Student Council since 6th grade and currently serves as president, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills while representing her classmates. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society, participates in the Drama Club, and has been a cheerleader since 7th grade. She recently explored wrestling and plans to return to the sport as a freshman, showing her willingness to take on new challenges.
Outside of school, Milla stays active in several community and artistic activities. She participates in historical reenactments with the Madison County Historical Society and the New Boston Fair Reenactment Society, performs with the Madison County Choir, and is involved in Girl Scouts, where she has helped with service projects supporting the animal shelter and Raider Rack. She also plays piano and performs with a marching band that earned a Superior rating at the state competition.
Looking ahead, Milla hopes to pursue a career in cosmetology or healthcare because she enjoys helping people. She is considering attending The Ohio State University or Tiffin University. Her teachers describe her as hardworking, positive, and supportive, and London Middle School is proud to recognize Milla Byrd as a student who truly represents the Portrait of a Graduate.
Bella King (11th) - London Unlimited
Bella King, an 11th grader at London High School, exemplifies the qualities of a Portrait of a Graduate through her dedication to academics, leadership, and involvement in both school and community activities. Bella currently carries an impressive 4.11 GPA and has earned Merit Honor Roll recognition for three years, along with her Community Service Seal and Science Seal. Her schedule reflects the flexibility available to students at London City Schools as she balances London Unlimited courses, in-person learning at London High School, and the Tolles Career & Technical Center Cosmetology Program, where she is gaining hands-on experience in her chosen career field. She is also actively involved in school organizations as a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, and FFA, where she has earned both her Greenhand Degree and Chapter Degree.
Bella is also very involved outside the classroom. She has been an active member of 4-H for nine years, showing pigs and alpacas. Through her dedication and hard work, she has earned several notable achievements, including Alpaca Showman of Showmen and being named Grand Showman of Showmen in 2025. Bella also serves as the Treasurer of the Green Range 4-H Club, demonstrating leadership and commitment to her club and agricultural community. In addition to her academic and agricultural involvement, Bella participates in athletics as a football and basketball cheerleader and a member of the London High School softball team.
Beyond school and activities, Bella has also gained work experience, having been employed at Ohio Roots since May 2024. Looking ahead, Bella plans to continue pursuing cosmetology and build a successful career in the beauty industry. She hopes to grow professionally, serve others through her work, and remain actively involved in her community.
Hailey Ballah (12th) - London High School
Hailey Ballah, a senior at London High School, has been selected as London High School's Portrait of a Graduate, exemplifying the district's core characteristics of being an effective communicator, critical and creative thinker, problem-solver, respectful individual, and appropriately skilled in literacy, numeracy, and technology. Through her outstanding academic achievements, leadership roles, and community involvement, Hailey represents the very best of what London City Schools strives to develop in its students.
As a four-year member of the London FFA, Hailey has demonstrated exceptional commitment and responsibility in everything she undertakes. Currently serving as Chapter FFA President, she has consistently shown focus and enthusiasm in her academics, athletics, and FFA involvement. Her impressive FFA accomplishments include membership on both the State Soils and State Wildlife teams, regular participation at State and National FFA Conventions, and earning the prestigious State FFA Degree. Hailey's reliability as an officer, her unwavering support for her peers, and her significant contributions to the chapter's success have established her as a respected student leader whose work ethic and character truly set her apart.
Beyond her FFA excellence, Hailey has proven herself to be a well-rounded student through her participation in golf and her remarkable academic pursuits. She has completed or is scheduled to complete 12 College Credit Plus courses, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and preparation for future success. Additionally, Hailey has earned her Citizenship, Science, and Community Service Seals, further showcasing her dedication to learning and service. Her achievements across multiple areas reflect the adaptability, flexibility, and comprehensive skill set that make her an ideal Portrait of a Graduate recipient.
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