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A freshman at Greenville High School (GHS) was recently recognized for displaying character in action, inside and outside the classroom.

The Butler County Juvenile Court has awarded GHS freshman Kayleigh Marlow its end-of-year Character In Action. Students, like Marlow, are nominated by someone outside of the juvenile court — usually a teacher or school administrator — who has witnessed first hand how they embody the traits of good character among their peers and out in the community.

“This nomination was unique as Kayleigh was nominated by someone outside the BCSS (Butler County Schools System,” said District Judge Nicki McFerrin. “Mrs. Hannah Thrower nominated Kayleigh after she volunteered at Calico Fort with the GHS Key Club.”

In her nomination of Marlow, Thrower described how the ninth grader demonstrated outstanding character by volunteering as a Key Club member in the children’s area at the annual Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Festival in April, helping with games and photos with the Easter Bunny.

“I could not say enough about how truly thankful I was to have all of the students but especially this one,” Thrower wrote in the nomination. “One student really stood out, Kayleigh Marlow. She was always more than willing to do any tasks that I asked of them and continued to ask to do more! She took her turn in the bunny suit more than once in the Alabama heat and never complained once! She was the first student to arrive and the last one to leave Saturday and Sunday. She was very kind, respectful, and helpful.”

Thrower said she nominated Marlow to express her sincere gratitude for the student’s willingness to volunteer and help create smiles and long-lasting memories for the children.

“Kayleigh was truly a blessing to The Fort Deposit Arts Council and the thousands of children of the surrounding communities in attendance at Calico Fort,” Thrower said.

Marlow received the award in an informal ceremony at the school.

“Kayleigh got to hear Mrs. Thrower read the nomination, which was special,” McFerrin said. “It was a wonderful way to recognize an outstanding student as the school year draws to a close.”