Every year Aiken Mayor Fred Cavanaugh can't help but think that as each day passes the students in Aiken County will one day "be our leaders."
Those future leaders and Aiken County students were honored Saturday at St. Mary Help of Christians for their overall character, nominated by their teachers.
Since 2000, the area women's clubs have joined together to hold the "Celebration of Character," a program held yearly to celebrate students for more than just academics, but for something that they do "when no one is looking," said Betty Thomason, a member of theAiken Women's Club and chairperson of Saturday's event.
"You have a lot to be proud of," Thomason said. " ... You have done good things. Character is what you do when nobodies looking. It's what you do because it's right and you know what is right, and that's what you have been doing. Otherwise you would not be here today."
On Saturday, students received a character certificate, a character bracelet and a magnet for their parent's to put up on the fridge. This year, more than 230 students were honored, 20 of them seniors.
One of those nominations included Aiken Elementary student Calvin Walker, who was nominated by Jennifer Minolfo.
"I have had the great pleasure of teaching Calvin for two years now. Calvin exemplifies the idea of character. He is (a) responsible student and always gives 100 percent in everything he does," Minolfo wrote.
Dr. Beth Everitt, the superintendent of Aiken County Schools who will retire in July, told the students that Saturday's program honors not just students, but students who "represent the very best in Aiken County."
"You're here today because someone believed you show good character," Everitt said. "You don't talk about being kind and thoughtful or helpful, you just try to be your best every day."
Maayan Schechter is the local government reporter with Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.