Marietta City Schools is proud to announce its Focused and Fierce Award winners for the month of February of 2026.
Focused and Fierce Tigers lead with integrity, give their best effort in the classroom, workplace, and community, and never lose sight of what it means to represent Marietta with strength and character.
Our student recipients were the following individuals:
· Payton Waite – 9th Grade, Marietta High School
· Koby Ross – 1st Grade, Phillips Elementary School
· Averiegh Farnsworth – 1st Grade, Washington Elementary School
· Aurora Brown – Fifth Grade, Marietta Elementary School
Each of these students has demonstrated focus in their academic efforts and fierceness in their character, whether through leadership in the classroom, dedication to personal growth, or a positive impact on peers and staff.
While this is the second group of students to receive this award, this will be the first group of staff to be nominated for this honor. Our staff categories are broken down into classified and certified categories.
Staff award winners:
Sean Wright, Classified Staff Winner – Custodian, Phillips Elementary School
Cindy Burton, Certified Staff Winner – First Grade Teacher, Phillips Elementary School
The individuals who nominated Sean for this award, had nothing but positive words for his work ethic and dedication to the students and staff of Phillips.
One particular nomination stated “Sean goes beyond his duties to help the staff out. He never complains when we ask him to do something. The tractor here at Phillips wasn’t working and he started to shovel snow by hand the playground. The kids had been inside for recess for 12 days. I can’t say enough about how Sean is a great team player.”
Our Certified winner Cindy Burton, brings a long-lasting legacy here at Marietta City School District. She’s in her final year before retiring with MCSD and those who selected her for this honor agree that she will leave a legacy of excellence, compassion and an unwavering dedication to her students.
One nomination discussed how she consistently goes above and beyond her duties as an educator. “I've observed her help and mentor first year teachers, serve on numerous committees, and be a leader in our education association. She attends her student’s birthday parties on the weekends, and plans summer picnics to reunite her classroom.”
“Being Focused and Fierce means showing up every day with purpose and perseverance,” said Mary Schaeffer, Superintendent of Marietta City School District. “These award winners embody the very best of our district and inspire others through their actions.”
Marietta City Schools congratulates all February honorees and thanks them for their continued commitment to excellence and for making a positive difference in our schools and community.
For more information about the Focused and Fierce Award or to make a future nomination, please visit https://www.mariettacityschools.k12.oh.us/page/focused-fierce-awards