December 2025 Bearcats of Character Recognized

The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees recognized this latest group of students named Bearcats of Character for the 2025-2026 school year on Tuesday, December 17, 2025 for the character trait GRATITUDE.

According to the Positivity Project, Gratitude is the quality of feeling and expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and the world, and that we have received that goodness. People with the strength of gratitude have a readiness to show appreciation for kindness and also to return kindness.

Congratulations to the following students, Aledo ISD's December 2025 Bearcats of Character!

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Aledo High School: Delaynee Tatro, 12th Grade
Delaynee shows gratitude every day. Delaynee can quickly see the bright side of a situation and uplift others by providing them with thoughtful advice! She is not only thankful for the things she has, and the situations God has placed her in, but she repeatedly reminds the people in her life how much she appreciates them. She is a great example of what it looks like to walk in gratitude.

Aledo Learning Center: Sophee Moreno Wheeler, 12th Grade
Sophee is an exceptionally grateful and polite student who consistently shows appreciation for the support she receives. Her teachers note that she always expresses thanks and treats everyone with kindness and positivity. Sophee’s genuine gratitude and thoughtful spirit make her a pleasure to know and a bright presence in the school community.

Daniel Ninth Grade: Mackenzie Nunn, 9th Grade
Mackenzie is always showing gratitude, she is always looking on the positive side of things, even if she is having a bad day, she never brings others down. She is always bringing out the best in me, she is always pointing out good, positive things about me and others, rather than the negatives.

Aledo Middle School: Gunner Anguiano, 7th Grade
Gunner consistently demonstrates the true spirit of gratitude, making him an exceptional candidate for Bearcat of Character. Three different teachers shared how he goes out of his way to express appreciation—offering a sincere “thank you,” leaving thoughtful sticky notes, or showing respect through his words and actions. His gratitude is genuine, constant, and uplifting, positively impacting both his peers and the classroom environment. Gunner’s maturity, kindness, and intentional connections with others set him apart. He truly embodies this month’s trait and is wholeheartedly deserving of this recognition.

McAnally Middle School: Trinity Outland, 8th Grade
Trinity was nominated because of the thoughtful ways she shows gratitude in our school. She consistently thanks her peers for help and encouragement, recognizes the efforts of others, and expresses appreciation for the opportunities she is given to learn and grow. Whether it’s saying a kind word, helping a classmate, or showing respect to our classroom routines, Trinity demonstrates a genuine awareness of the support and guidance around her. Her gratitude creates a positive and welcoming environment, and it inspires others to be thankful as well. The staff at MMS is truly grateful to have an amazing student like Trinity! 

Aledo ISD Early Childhood Academy: Luna Collazo Vazquez, Pre-K
Luna is a beautiful example of what it means to show gratitude in Pre-K. She consistently uses wonderful manners and treats others with kindness and respect. Luna is thoughtful and considerate of her peers, always noticing and appreciating the little things they do. She expresses genuine thanks to her friends and teachers for acts of kindness, support, and even everyday classroom routines. Her warm, thankful spirit shines throughout the school day, making her a joy to be around and a role model for her classmates.

Annetta Elementary School: Luke Latimer, 4th Grade
Luke displays gratitude in class when we learn something new. He always has a positive attitude and brings us so much joy. He is a hard worker, and he is never discouraged- even when things are difficult. He is kind to his classmates and teachers and makes us laugh all the time. Through the lens of gratitude, he provides new perspectives for our class discussions during P2 in the mornings. We are so lucky to have him in our class!

Coder Elementary School: Evelynn McElyea, 5th Grade
Evelynn consistently shows gratitude by recognizing the efforts of others and expressing appreciation without being prompted. Her positive attitude helps create a supportive and welcoming classroom environment.

McCall Elementary School: Jianah Girdner, 5th Grade
Jianah shows gratitude through her thoughtful appreciation of others’ kindness and support. She expresses thanks sincerely and often, recognizing the generosity and care people show her. Jianah always has a positive outlook, and her classmates recognize her selflessness as she is constantly showing up for others with a smile on her face!

McKinney Elementary School: Beau Hickey, Kindergarten
Beau demonstrates gratitude through his words, his willingness to help others, and his appreciation for the good things around him. He is often the first to say thank you when our class receives a compliment and to celebrate classmates when they are recognized as bucket fillers. Beau even notices and values the little things—like when a friend helps him remember a direction or when I give him a hug and acknowledge his leadership. He has also learned to manage the moments when he misses his mom and dad, shifting from feeling a little sad to being thankful that he gets to learn and spend his day with a classroom family that cares for him very much!

Stuard Elementary School: Alexander "Alex" Wilkerson, Kindergarten
Alex is always kind, thankful, and quick to show appreciation to teachers and classmates. Alex’s positive attitude and thankful heart make our classroom a happier place for everyone! He takes time to notice the little things others do and always says thank you with a smile. Alex is the perfect example of gratitude.

Vandagriff Elementary School: Maddox Benavides, 1st Grade
Maddox is full of joy and greets each day with a bright smile. He is a hard worker who never gives up, even when something feels challenging. When he reaches a goal, his excitement is contagious—you can see the confidence and genuine appreciation he has for his own growth. Maddox shows gratitude not only through celebrating his accomplishments, but through the way he values the people around him. He cherishes his friendships, shows deep appreciation for his family, and treats others with kindness and thankfulness. Maddox truly exemplifies gratitude in both his work and his relationships.

Walsh Elementary School: Liahm Colon, Kindergarten
Liahm is the kindest, most gracious, and genuinely thankful friend you could ever ask for. He expresses appreciation effortlessly- whether he’s thanking a classmate for help, acknowledging a teacher’s support, or celebrating others’ successes. His positive spirit is contagious, and he truly lights up every room he enters. Liahm’s consistent gratitude inspires those around him to show kindness and appreciation as well. He is a shining example of what it means to lead with a thankful heart, and our school community is better because of him.