Pictured (Left to Right): Penny Stires, LHS Principal; Gavan Cooper, LHS Student; Blanke Pieper, LMS Student; Trey Solon, LMS Principal; Rory Alcott, LES Student; Heather Mills, LES Principal.
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 October Regular Board of Education meeting for substantially demonstrating the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Congratulations to each of these students!
Rory Alcott (4th Grade) - London Elementary School
London Elementary School is proud to recognize Rory Alcott as our October Portrait of a Graduate! Rory is a shining example of what it means to be a Red Raider! Gifted in mathematics, Rory demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills and a love for learning. He approaches challenges with confidence, creativity, and determination. Beyond his academic talents, Rory is a kindhearted student who treats others with respect and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
What makes Rory truly special is the way he makes those around him feel. He is an amazing friend, a wonderful classmate, and a positive influence in our school. Whether he is helping a peer, participating in classroom activities, or showing off his Red Raider pride, Rory brings enthusiasm and kindness to everything he does. His school spirit is contagious, and he never misses an opportunity to go all out for a school spirit day!
Rory embodies so many qualities of the London City Schools Portrait of a Graduate, including being a critical thinker, an effective communicator, and someone who is respectful of himself and others. He reminds us that being future-ready isn't just about academic success, but also about having good character, building friendships, and making a positive difference.
Blake Pieper (8th Grade) - London Middle School
Blake Pieper is London Middle School’s nomination for a portrait of a graduate. Blake is a three sport athlete participating in Football, Wrestling, and Baseball. Blake can also be seen on the sideline Friday Nights at High School Football Games as a part of the Ball Boy & Water Boy Crew. Additionally, Blake is a member of the National Junior Honors Society.
Blake represents all five categories that make up a portrait of a graduate. He is respectful to others and himself through his positive attitude. Blake is always smiling and having a good time while at school. Whether he is with a close group of friends or other students within the building he has a positive attitude. Blake is flexible and adaptable due to his unwavering steadfastness. He is consistent with his attitude and work ethic.
London intends to mold effective communicators and Blake is just that. As a student when Blake has questions he is not afraid to ask for help, or advocate for others.
Lastly, Blake shows he is a creative thinker, and appropriately skilled academically through his Advance scores on the OST for both 7th grade Math and ELA this past spring, while also maintaining a 3.96 cumulative middle school GPA, while more recently earning a 4.0 for all of his 7th grade year.
Blake is the epitome of what we want London Red Raiders to be, he is a positive change agent with the school, or as we like to say at London Middle School a Coffee Bean.
Gavan Cooper ( 9th Grade) - London High School
Gavan is only a freshman and already takes on the role of a successful student at LHS. Gavan as a freshman is demonstrating an impressive commitment to academics, leadership, and athletics. He is taking honors and CCP courses, maintained honor roll throughout middle school and is on track to continue this success in high school. Gavan is also an athlete and was chosen to represent Freshman athletes at the 2026 CBC Leadership Summit. He is a hardworking student that is already setting a strong example for his peers.