By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

SAGINAW – After he finished reading Michael Giddens’ nomination for the county’s Character in Action award during a Nov. 13 Drug Free Coalition meeting, Juvenile Court Probation Officer John Miller could only think of one question to ask the high school senior.

“When do you sleep?” Miller asked Giddens with a laugh.

Giddens, a Thompson High School senior, joined Colby Prosser from Meadow View Elementary, A.J. Crear from Creek View Elementary, Ana Claire Young from Thompson Intermediate, Lindsey Cook from Thompson Sixth Grade Center and Maggie O’Neal and Noah Tanner from Thompson Middle in receiving the Character in Action award during the meeting at Family Connection.

The awards are a partnership between the Shelby County, Alabaster and Pelham school systems and the Shelby County Juvenile Court, and is awarded to students based on several criteria: Respect, self-discipline, responsibility, citizenship, friendship, fairness, perseverance and courage.

On his nomination form, Prosser’s teachers described him as a helpful, kind and respectful student.

“Colby shows courage by being a leader in a positive way,” read the form. “He models to others the right thing to do, even if it is not the ‘cool thing’ to do.”

Crear’s teachers painted him as a role model for his fellow students, and said he handles his daily responsibilities without fail.

“A.J. treats others how he would want to be treated. He has great manners and behavior,” read his nomination. “Everyone wants to be his friend or his partner during classwork.”

Young earned praise for being self-motivated, responsible and an intelligent student.

“She is the student that truly gets along with everyone,” read her nomination. “She is known for setting an example for others.”

Cook works every day to make her school a better place, and also serves as a role model to other students at TSGC.

“Lindsey’s teachers consistently comment on her kindness toward her peers,” read her nomination. “She is admired and respected by teachers and students alike.”

O’Neal and Tanner earned praise for their excellent attitudes, willingness to help others and selfless service.

“She doesn’t succumb to peer pressure, and is confident in her ability to respond to students and situations appropriately,” read O’Neal’s nomination.

“Noah helps his friends when they are discouraged,” read Tanner’s form. “Noah always helps students who may seem down during the day.”

Giddens, a member of the THS Junior ROTC and several other school organizations, dedicates himself every day to bringing out the best in himself and others.

“Michael is a role model of perseverance for his peers,” read his nomination. “He is successful because he gives 100 percent to each task, and is able to establish priorities, make a plan and follow through to the end.”