2025 Heroes of Character

Pillar of Character Award

Michael and Pamela Daly

Pamela and Michael have been married for 34 years, and a passion for one is a passion for the other. Twenty five years ago there was a crystallization of the power of Character Focus which led to their founding of the Character Council.

Pamela’s passion since childhood has been acting which resulted in a long career in stage and film. Over the years, Michael was recruited to write a one-woman Off-Broadway play and assigned the business end of several significant films. Pamela’s desire to invest in others led to her teaching career through Pamela Daly Studios which trains actors virtually throughout the U.S. The young Michael Jackson role, in the current Broadway show MJ: The Musical, featured one of Pamela’s long-term students. Pamela weaves the “Character Quality of the Month” into every actor’s training with her inherent creativity.

Michael recruited key people and institutions to build a firm foundation for the genesis of the Character Council. Major Donors and Original Board Members included Roger Griggs (Kathy), Mike Ellison (Luanne), and John Pierce (Lois). Gayle Brock (Daryl) brought Character Training expertise to the early Board through her work with the YMCA. Some of these “doers” had a relationship with Anthony Muñoz, who became the spokesman for the Character Council and continues to keep the organization under his wing to this day. Ron Beshear (Mary) provided high-end housing in the early years. The Cincinnati Police Department led the charge for government institutions with former Chief Mike Snowden running the Council’s government committee. Chief Snowden recruited former CPD Chief Tom Streicher who championed department-wide training and character focus. Many of the partnerships in the early days came through relationships that were built through the Daly’s Christian faith, which was also a focus of Michael’s financial planning business.

Even though the original 49 Character Qualities were expressed in a secular manner, they were derived from a Christian version based on seven character qualities associated with seven spiritual gifts.

Michael’s passion for youth baseball training has drawn in Pamela’s deep involvement in their Flash Baseball Complex and Organization, Cincinnati’s largest and most beautiful youth sports facility. The Flash Complex has doubled as the Daly’s home for the past 32 years and has 12 fields, a baseball gymnasium, and five rustic Airbnb properties. Pamela has a love for hospitality and oversees the complex restaurant (The Stik) that feeds thousands of visitors each week during the seven month season for tournaments. The lakefront cabins on the 16-acre lake, as well as the Flash Lodge, are touched by Pamela’s love of beauty. Up to a dozen Eagles make the lake their home and food source. The nearby Blue Heron Holler in Williamsburg is a more recent hospitality addition for the Dalys and is home to a Blue Heron hatchery where hundreds of nests on the Eastfork Little Miami riverfront are occupied from Valentine’s Day to the middle of July.

As both Pamela and Michael focus on the Character aspect of their coaching lives, the role of the subconscious brain, myelin, and repetition in forming solid mental health and spiritual discipline has taken the forefront in their training discussions for the past several decades. Youth suicide prevention is at the heart of their true story 2020 film Chance, and Michael is almost finished with his book “Fall in Love with Your Brain, The Myelin Revolution in Mental Health.” Good Habits=Good Mental Health=Good Character. Habits come from whatever we repeat. We are what we repeat.

Courageous Leadership Award

Teresa Theetge

Over 30 years of inspirational service led Teresa Theetge to her current position as Cincinnati’s 16th Police Chief. 

Chief Theetge and her husband Bob have 4 children and 8 grandchildren, making her both the first female and grandmother to protect the city as our “Top Cop.” Tonight we honor the Chief as the first ever Character Council “Courageous Leadership Award” winner.

Law enforcement is part of her DNA, with her father, two uncles, 4 siblings and a son all serving, mostly with the Cincinnati Police Department. A focus of her administration has been officer wellness, particularly around mental health. She is deeply grateful for the sacrifices of the 1,000 plus sworn officers currently serving CPD. Having her immediate and extended family so involved in law enforcement, the Chief has a keen awareness of the stress that goes with the lifestyle and has been proactive at taking the initiative to provide for and protect those that serve CPD.

As a West High graduate, she has a special place in her heart for Cincinnati Public Schools as a top booster rooting for the success of our young people while simultaneously shining a spotlight on increasing youth crime. The thought of officers being in a confrontational situation with young juveniles is particularly troubling to the Chief.

She has reached out to partner with educators, making youth crime a cornerstone of her tenure. CPD’s School Resource Officers (SRO) Program began in 1967 and is the 3rd oldest SRO program in the country. Their mission is to improve youth attitude toward police and provide a safe environment conducive to learning. They operate under the Triad Concept: Police Officer – Mentor – Teacher.

Cincinnati’s skyline on her morning drive serves as a daily reminder to the Chief of her love for the Queen City. When she was sworn in January 9, 2023, she said, “Behind this badge, I am just like you…I’m a wife, mother and grandmother who loves Cincinnati…It is my goal as your chief of police to make you feel safe and love the city where you live, work, and play so you can be proud to tell folks – I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio.”

While rising through the ranks and raising her family, Chief Theetge also attended Xavier University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and her master’s degree in Human Resource Development.   

She is a graduate of various law enforcement programs: Southern Police Institute (SPI), Police Executive Leadership College (PELC), Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE), Senior Management Institute in Policing (SMIP) and the FBI’s National Executive Institute (NEI). She is also a graduate of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce’s Women Excel Leadership (WE Lead) program and Leadership Cincinnati.

True North Award

Jill Tomey

Jill’s journey into character education started with her work as the classroom workshop facilitator for the Bullies and Victims program for the Academy of Medicine Alliance.

After bringing the program to many classrooms, she realized that something needed to be done to prevent bullying in the first place. She believed Character Education could do that. After her daughters transferred to the newly built Rapid Run Middle School, she jumped at the chance to champion a Character Education program through the PTA. She developed a daily Character Education program that all students participated in during homeroom. In looking for resources for the program, Jill contacted the council and was recruited. This led to her partnership with the Character Council for 23 years.

 Jill brings a unique mix of skills to the Character Council. She earned her stripes in the tech world, retiring with almost 40 years of experience as a main framer, adjunct college professor, and project manager. Jill brings a warm mix of enthusiasm and a creative, visionary leadership style that inspires teamwork and excellence in those around her. She volunteers as the webmaster, leads the social media team, creates the Quality of the Month resources for the Education, Business, and Community Pillars, and has developed and presented various training programs over the years. She has produced numerous “Character Carnivals” and “Character Olympics” with the goal of “teaching character in a fun way.” Jill graduated from Thomas More, majoring in Computer Science, Math, and Business. 

A Secular Franciscan since high school, Jill has been very involved with all the parishes she has attended, most recently retiring from St. Joseph Parish, North Bend, where she served as Catechist and Youth Minister. Jill and her husband Allen (41 years) share two daughters, Jacqueline (former Executive Director) and Allison (current volunteer), and two grandchildren.

Adult Heroes of Character

Dawn Delight Bailey

As Lincoln Heights Elementary School principal for the past 11 years, Dawn Delight Bailey consistently demonstrates an extraordinary combination of wisdom, compassion, and courage. She tirelessly advocates for her students, ensuring equitable opportunities and creating a nurturing environment. 

Her data-driven approach to growth is working for students to improve their scholastic achievement and test scores. In the school, there is a room dedicated to tracking each student’s growth throughout the school year. Charts line the wall showing where students started and their current progress. Each child is individually celebrated for their unique learning journey, with personalized goals and achievements visibly displayed to motivate and inspire continuous academic development.

Her approach to leadership is deeply rooted in justice and respect. She has advocated for community safety issues, improved housing conditions, health care screenings and opportunities, along with empowering students for college, career, and life success.

Dawn is not just an educational leader; she is a beacon of character who transforms lives through her profound commitment to education, community, and human potential. Her leadership for the Princeton City School District incorporates the “We Not Me” mentality. She is a true Difference Maker!

Angie Bayer

When Angie Bayer is not watching “little people” in her in-home daycare, she volunteers for many organizations including the Oser-Roth and Friends Fest which she says is her “heart and soul.”

Each year the Oser-Roth and Friends organization grants wishes to several critically/terminally ill children and others with developmental challenges. The objective is to make these “angels” feel special during their journey by granting a special wish. “When I see their faces up on that stage, I know why I do this and what all of the sweat and tears are for.”

A true Community Volunteer, Angie has served as Co-President of Three Rivers Giving Tree for the past 15 years and supports Breast Fest of Cincinnati. She is the Past President of the PTO and has helped run several festivals at St. Joseph Church. Angie is the volunteer that any organization would welcome with open arms. 

Danielle Cripe

Caring, committed, and dedicated have been used to describe Danielle. A native of the Reading community, Danielle feels that it is her time to give back. As the Chair of the English Department at Reading, Danielle is very committed that no student is left behind and organizes the summer school program for grades K-6. Danielle feels strongly that all of the students deserve to cross the finish line, walk away with a high school diploma, and to feel success.

Danielle says that she never really leaves work and that she loves every minute of it. 

She attends every athletic event, organizes team meals for every football game and even washes the uniforms for the junior varsity and varsity football team after each game. It is not uncommon to see football uniforms spread throughout her house. 

Prior to all athletic events, Danielle sets up the concession stand, oversees the volunteers and helps out. Many students have benefited from Danielle’s passion and commitment to the Reading School District and the Reading athletic teams.

Katie DelMedico

Katie DelMedico’s ability to see and nurture the whole child sets her apart. She meets each student at their individual level and helps them grow, all while fostering a deep sense of confidence and belonging.

One family recalls the profound impact Mrs. DelMedico had on their physically handicapped son, who was welcomed into her classroom with open arms. She set the standard for how he was treated by the other students. Her example of kindness, empathy, and inclusion left a lasting mark on the culture of the school and on this family’s life.

Another parent shared that after the birth of his sibling, a student struggled with emotional control. Mrs. DelMedico implemented a daily feedback system and offered thoughtful recommendations to the family, helping him make swift improvements. 

Mrs. DelMedico conforms herself to the needs of each individual child, and order follows.

Debi Fideli-Robinson

Debi set out on a mission after the birth of her daughter Samantha who was born with cerebral palsy. With the help of a healthcare provider, she began to look at the situation differently. She found that she didn’t need to fix Samantha, she was exactly the way God intended. All she had to do was go to the light and learn from Sami.

Miraculously, after 15 years Sami is no longer in a wheelchair, she walks, talks, and verbalizes her wants and needs. Debi says that sharing the “Sunshine” from Sami became a desired request. As a result, Debi authored a book titled “Stripped, Stretched and Strengthened” about finding the sunshine in life’s storms. Proceeds from the book sales helped start the Sami Sunshine Foundation which provides scholarships to special needs adults helping to bridge the gap from school services to state services. 

Three years ago the Sami Sunshine Center, an adult day program, opened in Milford. The program focuses on spreading sunshine with God’s angels. 

Karli Harrison

Karli has demonstrated strong leadership and service in the Hamilton community where she founded a chapter of RallyCap Sports for students with special needs. A preschool intervention specialist at Lindon Elementary, Karli devotes her free time to providing an opportunity for students with special needs to learn a sport, have fun playing a sport, learn new skills, and to partner with a peer or adult “buddy.”  

Sunday afternoons for Karli are devoted to RallyCap. When families and volunteers arrive at the school, she greets everyone with a smile and calls them by name before pairing them with a buddy that is a good fit for the child. As one parent commented, “this program gives my son a chance to play sports and feel good about himself.” To quote Karli, “There is just really something special about teaching those kiddos with special needs. It is so exciting to see the big smile on their faces when they accomplish even the smallest things.”

Katy Heller

In December of 2023, Katy received the news that no one ever wants to hear, “you have breast cancer.” Her thoughts immediately turned to her husband and two boys, then she thought about her students. They were headed into DECA season. She was teaching college level classes and her students depended on her. Katy wanted to take it up a notch and work not only on business skills with her students, but the skills they will need to survive in the world: People Skills, Confidence Skills, Personal Skills.

Throughout all of her treatments and setbacks, she had the resiliency and endurance to continue to teach her high school business classes at Taylor High School. Even on days that she wasn’t feeling her strongest, Katy would don a mask and go to work. Her students felt valued and highly regarded. Her DECA students have placed in the top 6% internationally. In addition to teaching business classes, Katy is a department chair and the Business Club Advisor.

Her motto is: “I’m alive in 2025 and I’m living it up!”

Sam Hickey

Not knowing what to expect, Officer Hickey left his job as a street cop to embrace a new challenge as the School Resource Officer at Reading Schools. Over the past year, he has formulated great relationships and served as a father figure for many of the kids. He realizes that he is not just there as a law enforcement officer, he is there to help guide them in life. 

He has implemented several programs designed to build relationships such as the “Back the Blue” t-shirt toss, “Reading Blue Devil Depot” where students can spend their Blue Devil dollars in support of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, a reading program for the younger grades, and a Mentorship Program to connect high school students with elementary students.

His commitment to collaboration across the district demonstrates his dedication to making Reading not only a safe community but also a place where strong partnerships between the police and schools thrive. 

Amanda Johnson

“Giving is my Love Language, Cancer is a Thief. Holding onto pain will only steal precious time from you”. Words spoken by Amanda, who manages the responsibilities of single motherhood with grace and compassion, balancing her career as school nurse while removing barriers to educate students, parents and the staff.

Recently Amanda endured a two-year battle with breast cancer, facing numerous complications from her treatment. Throughout, Amanda displayed strength and positivity that moved all that knew her. She used her CaringBridge page to openly and vulnerable share her journey in order to offer support to others facing similar challenges all while educating the community on how to support loved ones facing serious illness.

Amanda’s ability to maintain an uplifting spirit, even in the face of adversity, is a beacon of hope and strength. She not only served her family and community with unmatched dedication but has also inspired countless others with her positive attitude, courage, and commitment to making a difference.

Ken Maddin

Ken is co-founder of The Community Project, whose ministries include Feeding Those in Need, Christmas with Friends, No Child Left Behind, and our daily Community Blessing Boxes. Ken embodies the spirit of compassion and hope, reminding everyone he touches

that they are valued and cared for. Blessing Boxes provides essential supplies to homeless community members in Aurora and Lawrenceburg. Every month, donations and fundraising keep boxes stocked with water, juice, canned goods, hygiene items, and clothing essentials. Ken has taken on the daily responsibility of filling those boxes with supplies.

Through a partnership with Parkside Market, he delivers hot meals to “regular” friends experiencing homelessness, typically 10-12 individuals each day. Ken helps his friends find housing, assists with car repairs, and connects them to medical resources.

Ken’s unwavering dedication to caring for our homeless population is truly inspiring. His servant’s heart and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others shine through every single day.

Ana Martinez

Described as a Community Builder, Ana is very dedicated to enhancing family and community involvement in education. Ana’s experience as an immigrant and a parent navigating the educational system has uniquely positioned her to guide others through similar challenges. From enrollment to post-graduation, Ana works tirelessly with parents, attendance officers, special education staff, and the students offering support with scholarships, job placements and home visits. 

The Princeton Hispanic Heritage Festival, held each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, showcases the diversity and cultures in the community. Ana handles all of the coordination, fundraising, and sponsorship requests to make it a free event for everyone. The festival includes live music, art displays, dance performances, Zumba and Salsa lessons, and mariachi. Hispanic food trucks and vendors find support and a new audience eager to try something different.

Ana has returned to school to earn her degree from Mt. St. Joseph’s and is currently working on her Masters in Special Education.

Dan L. Pillow 

Dan has always taken pride in the Addyston community, a place he has called home for over 78 years. After serving his country in Viet-Nam, he returned home and married his beautiful wife Ann. Dan ran for public office, was elected and served 2 years on village council, followed by 20 years as mayor of the village. Currently he is serving his second year of a five year term as councilman.

As the principal grant writer for the village, Dan has been instrumental in acquiring over $600,000 in grants to make improvements including a nature preserve. As mayor, he brought back events that bring the community together such as Octoberfest, fireworks, and the Summer Youth Program which allows the youth to earn money while learning workplace character. Dan’s enthusiasm for the Park Project once again brought the community together to work for the common goal of planning a walking path, playground, pavilion, and benches. He is especially proud of his “Old Folkes” working group, most of whom are 75 and older, who have built walls, cleared vegetation, poured concrete and more…proof that it truly takes a village.

Pam Stoll

Pam Stoll, a retired Miamitown elementary teacher, truly has a passion for the underserved in her community. As a member of Whitewater Crossing Christian Church and a volunteer with the Community Food Pantry, Pam recognized a way to weave her passion for students with the Food Pantry and the church.

After noticing that some of the students were dealing with food insecurity, she and another volunteer from the pantry created the Backpack Club allowing students to receive a bag full of food on Fridays to help carry them through the weekend.

Picnic in the Parking Lot provides food for the students during the summer months, serving over 200 students weekly. Pam also created the Shoes for Souls collecting shoe donations from churchgoers and The Toy Store, which is very popular at Christmastime allowing parents to select toys for their families at no cost. All made possible by Pam and members of the church.

Amanda White

Amanda White is all in for the kids, all the time. In her role as the Student and Family Support Specialist at Highland Elementary, she leads Positive Behavioral Intervention Support, Social Emotional Learning, and other programs to ensure that all 730 students thrive and succeed. She is selfless in everything she does.

Amanda deals with highly sensitive subject matters that can evoke strong emotional responses. She approaches these conversations with empathy and active listening. She provides a safe space for students and does everything with fidelity, kindness and care. Her calm voice can settle the most stressful situations.

Amanda took the lead on a new partnership with Kettering Health. She arranged for the Bengals to give 120 students a new pair of Nikes, a day they will never forget. She also supports the district when tragic events occur. Amanda and the crisis team are there for staff and students on the hardest of days. Amanda’s energy is contagious. She is always a spark of light and hope.

Student Heroes of Character

Jennifer Barrera Mendoza

Jennifer has made a difference in the world in many ways. The oldest bi-lingual child of a non-English speaking family, Jennifer has been the translator for her parents, neighbors, friends, and newcomers to the school. She is a role model for her two younger sisters and her brother. Her ability to diplomatically communicate and translate for her family and teachers is a skill she has honed since early childhood.

Ranked as one of the Top 20 students in the Princeton Class of 2025, Jennifer has excelled academically and is a four year DECA Club member. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and a founding member of the Social Media Marketing Club. Additionally, Jennifer is production manager of the “Viking Voices: The People of Princeton” monthly television show.

One of Jennifer’s roles with Key Club is to represent the student body at the Business and Community Partners Breakfast, hosting over 200 business partners quarterly where she emcees the event introducing guests and provides updates about the Princeton Work Ethic Certification Program. She possesses peace and balance and is eager to learn.

Caleeah Carter

Named “Student of the Week” by the Cincinnati Enquirer, Caleeah is a well-rounded student who embodies the spirit of Princeton. She is a dedicated athlete participating in multiple sports (Soccer, Basketball and Lacrosse) while taking challenging academic Honors and AP classes. Some of Caleeah’s accomplishments include National Honor Society member, Athletic GPA Award Winner, Skyline Fan Favorite Winner, Varsity Soccer Captain, Junior Varsity Basketball Captain, the GMC Steve Shuck Sportsmanship Award and she was recognized as a Breakthrough Cincinnati Alumni.

As a leader of the Red Range Student Cheer Section and a Spokeswoman on the morning announcement team, Caleeah consistently demonstrates leadership and school pride. Caleeah serves on Hope Squad, is a member of the Orchestra, and gives back to her community by coaching and refereeing youth sports.

Caleeah plans to attend college next year majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Communications.

Zack Kramer

Zack began his journey in scouting as early as Cub Scouts, where he climbed the ranks through learning the required outdoor skills, earning merit badges, and learning leadership skills. These skills were useful when pursuing his Eagle Scout rank.

Zack’s Eagle project stemmed from his keen interest in history. He learned that Symmes Park in Hamilton, Ohio was once Ft. Hamilton’s Cemetery and that a revolutionary war service member may not have been moved when the area became a park. His project was to locate the soldier and set up a proper memorial. The project required collaboration with multiple organizations, including Historic Hamilton, Hamilton Parks Conservancy, Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion, NJROTC Color Guard, and many others to organize a ceremony to commemorate and honor Paul Bonnel’s life. Leading a collaboration with Historic Hamilton and the Hamilton Police Museum, Zack set off to find the potential whereabouts of Private Bonnel and his wife, Mary Bonnel. The project was successful and he earned not only his Eagle rank, but also a proclamation from the Mayor of Hamilton, Pat Moeller. Statistics show that only about 4% of scouts make it to the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations Zack.

Anna March

Anna has gone above and beyond both in and out of school to make a positive impact on her community. Spearheading the Holiday Helping Hands program, Anna managed the marketing, collected donations, assembled the donations, and distributed the items to families in need. Anna is also involved with Sources of Strength, a peer mentoring group focused on promoting a positive school culture, and mental health awareness, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment at Taylor High School.

Anna’s role as Jacket Cares Intern allowed her to contribute to projects such as Jackets for Jackets, ReadyFest, Winter Shopping Boutique, and Love Local which all support local families in need. 

In appreciation for her dedication to service and her ability to inspire meaningful change, Anna was awarded the first ever Three Rivers School District Jacket Cares Changemaker Award. Her picture is proudly displayed on the Jacket Cares Hall of Fame, a testament to the lasting impact she has made. 

Perez Russell

Perez “Rez” Russell demonstrates dependability, respect, and kindness as she goes about each day at Middletown High School. In addition to attending classes, participating as a cheerleader and playing volleyball, Rez gave up her study hall to work as a Guidance Officer Aid. When students come to the counseling office, she makes sure they feel seen, heard, and respected regardless of whether they need a scheduling change or are just experiencing the worst day of their life. She is always in a good mood and has a great sense of humor. 

Through programs offered at MHS, Rez has had the opportunity to learn more about helping others with special needs and was able to assist younger disabled students with gym, art, and music classes. She also had the opportunity to see firsthand what it would be like to be an athletic trainer with the Middletown Student Athletic Training Staff. Perez enjoyed it so much that she has decided to pursue it as a career and will be furthering her education next year. 

Harper Szary

Harper is a world changer in her community. It all started when she was six years old. She learned about another young girl named Payton who started a lemonade stand to raise money to purchase new toys for patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Payton had received a toy when she was a patient at a very young age. As she grew older and still cherished her special toy, she wanted to give back to other children so she came up with the idea of raising money from selling lemonade. 

Four years ago when she was six years old, Harper learned about Payton’s Lemonade Stand and decided that she wanted to raise money for this worthy cause. With the help of her dad, they built a lemonade stand and started raising money. Over the past four years, Harper has raised just shy of $4,000. 

Harper is a good friend to many and always encourages her peers to be compassionate to others.