O’Hara Elementary 5th grader, Atia DiGioia, was recently presented the PTO’s Shawn Neville Character Award. Atia is the sixth recipient of the award, which honors students who encompass the spirit and character of former O’Hara teacher Shawn Neville.
Mr. Neville taught 4th grade at O’Hara for nine years and was much loved by students and teachers. When Mr. Neville passed away unexpectedly in September of 2013, the O’Hara PTO collected donations and helped to establish the Shawn Neville Character Award. Each year, the 4th grade teaching team meets to select a student who encompasses the spirit and character of Mr. Neville.
There are three criteria for selection:
- Respectful – The student is polite and courteous of peers, teachers and adults.
- Compassion – The student is a good friend, showing loyalty and kindness toward others.
- Accountability – The student is responsible for his/her actions with respect to school work, individual responsibilities and behavior.
The 4th Grade Team felt Atia DiGioia exhibits each of these qualities/characteristics throughout each and every school day. Teachers say she is respectful, driven, full of integrity and compassionate. 5th Grade Teacher Tracey Planz, who was a close friend of Mr. Neville’s, presented this year’s award at the 5th Grade Music Program.
Past recipients include Cooper Danforth (2017-2018), CJ Smith (2016-2017), Jack Stevens (2015-2014), Clay Sauereisen (2014-2013), and Kent Baldauf (2012-2013). Recipients receive $100 and an award certificate commemorating their achievement.
Please join the PTO in congratulating Atia. We look forward to honoring Mr. Neville’s spirit and the characteristics he championed through the Shawn Neville Character Award for many years to come.
O'Hara Elementary PTO 