At Butler County High School, leadership doesn’t just happen in classrooms - it’s lived out in the community every day. This October, Principal Stoye Young and the school’s Renaissance student leadership group demonstrated what it means to be true global citizens by recognizing and celebrating one of the most essential yet often unsung groups within the district: school bus drivers and monitors.

In a simple yet powerful act of appreciation, the Renaissance students surprised transportation staff with cold drinks as they arrived to pick up students at BCHS. The gesture, though small in scale, spoke volumes about the students’ empathy, respect, and awareness. These qualities are at the heart of Butler County Schools’ Portrait of a Learner, particularly the pillar of Global Citizenship.

“Global citizenship is about understanding the world,” Principal Young shared, “but it’s also about recognizing the people who make our community work each day: from the classroom to the bus route. Our students wanted to make sure our drivers knew just how valued they are.”

The Renaissance student leadership program at Butler County High School encourages students to take initiative in shaping a positive school culture. Their recent act of gratitude is a shining example of how the program instills lifelong skills that reach far beyond academic success. Students who learn to notice and appreciate others develop a mindset rooted in service, kindness, and collective responsibility which are foundational aspects of being a global citizen.

As the buses rolled into the BCHS parking lot, students lined up with smiles and refreshments in hand. Bus drivers and monitors were met with cheers and words of thanks, creating a ripple of positivity across the morning routine. For many, it was a moment of connection that underscored how every role in the district contributes to the shared goal of student success.

“Our transportation staff members are among the first and last people our students see each day,” Young noted. “They help start the morning on a positive note and ensure that everyone gets home safely. Recognizing their hard work is an important reminder that education doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes everyone.”

The Global Citizenship pillar of the Portrait of a Learner challenges students to act with empathy, take initiative, and engage responsibly with others both locally and globally. At Butler County High School, this initiative transformed those principles into action. The students’ recognition event demonstrated their understanding of what it means to contribute positively to the community, build relationships, and lead with compassion.

Superintendent and district leaders have long emphasized that Butler County Schools’ success depends on collective effort: one team, one vision. Stories like this exemplify how the district’s mission extends beyond academic standards to nurture character and connection in every learner.

“This was entirely student-led,” said Young. “They saw a need, they organized the idea, and they made it happen. That’s what our Portrait of a Learner is all about: empowering students to lead with purpose and heart.”

The impact of the event stretched beyond the school’s walls. Several bus drivers expressed how much the recognition meant to them, noting that the thoughtful act made them feel deeply appreciated and valued. For the students, it was a meaningful lesson in gratitude and service. One that connected everyday kindness with the larger vision of what it means to be “Butler Strong.”

The story of BCHS’s Renaissance students reminds us that leadership doesn’t always look like grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s a bottle of water handed to a bus driver, a thank-you shouted across a parking lot, or a simple smile that sets the tone for the day. These are the moments where the Portrait of a Learner framework comes alive: when Character, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship meet in real-world action.

As Butler County Schools continues to celebrate Portrait of a Learner stories from across the district, the Renaissance students’ initiative stands as a testament to how small acts of kindness can shape stronger communities. Their example encourages others — students, staff, and families alike — to look for ways to serve, appreciate, and connect.

“This is what it means to be part of Butler County Schools,” Young concluded. “We support one another, we celebrate one another, and we lead with heart. Together, we’re one team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.”