Fifth-graders showcase leadership roles as district honors art teacher
December 18, 2025 | Fort Thomas Independent, School Boards, Kentucky
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FORT THOMAS — The Fort Thomas Independent Board of Education spotlighted student leadership at Johnson Elementary and honored a district art teacher Thursday.
The board recognized Nikki (referred to in the meeting as Nikki Everett) as the 2025 Kentucky Art Teacher of the Year. Speaker 8 said the Kentucky Art Education Association selected her for “exceptional dedication, innovative curriculum, and profound impact on the students and the wider Fort Thomas community,” and the district presented a tradition-of-excellence award to accompany the statewide honor.
Board members then invited a group of Johnson Elementary fifth-graders to describe leadership jobs they hold for the school year. The program, organized and described by an assistant principal identified in the transcript as Miss Sheehy, ensures each of the school’s 79 fifth graders holds at least one role. Students recounted responsibilities including emcee for monthly jamborees, slide/creative design, recycling/Green Ribbon duties, hallway helpers, birthday brigade, breakfast helper and a bookmark/ library team.
“I chose this job because I love jamborees and pumping people up,” said Georgia, who serves as master of ceremonies. Noah, who described himself as a recruiter, said his duties include lining up speakers and cueing slides. Several students said the program helps them gain confidence and practice leadership-related pathways like communication, collaboration and responsibility.
Speakers and board members praised the authenticity of the experience for students. Speaker 1 told the students, “You’re leaving a legacy at Johnson,” and encouraged families to take photos after the presentation.
The board used the recognition period to highlight district arts and extracurricular achievements more broadly, including theater productions, regional art exhibit juried selections and state and regional competition results across dance, cheer and athletic programs.
The presentation emphasized the district’s approach to giving students meaningful school roles and to recognizing staff and student accomplishments across Fort Thomas schools.
The board recognized Nikki (referred to in the meeting as Nikki Everett) as the 2025 Kentucky Art Teacher of the Year. Speaker 8 said the Kentucky Art Education Association selected her for “exceptional dedication, innovative curriculum, and profound impact on the students and the wider Fort Thomas community,” and the district presented a tradition-of-excellence award to accompany the statewide honor.
Board members then invited a group of Johnson Elementary fifth-graders to describe leadership jobs they hold for the school year. The program, organized and described by an assistant principal identified in the transcript as Miss Sheehy, ensures each of the school’s 79 fifth graders holds at least one role. Students recounted responsibilities including emcee for monthly jamborees, slide/creative design, recycling/Green Ribbon duties, hallway helpers, birthday brigade, breakfast helper and a bookmark/ library team.
“I chose this job because I love jamborees and pumping people up,” said Georgia, who serves as master of ceremonies. Noah, who described himself as a recruiter, said his duties include lining up speakers and cueing slides. Several students said the program helps them gain confidence and practice leadership-related pathways like communication, collaboration and responsibility.
Speakers and board members praised the authenticity of the experience for students. Speaker 1 told the students, “You’re leaving a legacy at Johnson,” and encouraged families to take photos after the presentation.
The board used the recognition period to highlight district arts and extracurricular achievements more broadly, including theater productions, regional art exhibit juried selections and state and regional competition results across dance, cheer and athletic programs.
The presentation emphasized the district’s approach to giving students meaningful school roles and to recognizing staff and student accomplishments across Fort Thomas schools.
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