STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Richneck Elementary School 4th Grader Giovanni Gonzalez
Builds projects and relationships
Posted: February 25, 2026
Giovanni Gonzalez stays busy at school, taking advantage of opportunities to participate, learn and connect with his classmates.
Gonzalez, a fourth grader at Richneck Elementary School, played a role counter to his personality in the school's holiday production of "A Christmas Carol." While he thoroughly enjoyed portraying Ebenezer Scrooge on stage, his positive outlook and grateful attitude are present every day in the halls of his school.
"I want to make a good example for the first, second and third graders, and kindergarten," Gonzalez said. "And I want to make strong leadership. I like that I get to learn, and I like to get more friends and I also like recess."
His favorite subjects are math and Virginia studies.
"He is very engaged in the learning process," said fourth grade teacher Loni Kite. "He does great with partner work, community work. When he learns something new, he takes it and he uses it and applies it.
"And he's such a good leader in the classroom. So he comes in every day; he's enthusiastic."
Gonzalez actively participates in Richneck's Student Council Association, chorus and LEGO League club. He described his lead role as Scrooge, which included speaking parts and singing solos, as "very fun."
Gonzalez competes in jujitsu outside of school and has been successful in competitions.
"And even when I lose, I'm still happy I was competing in that tournament," he said.
Gratitude is important to him. Prior to winter break, he went around to his classmates to tell them how thankful he was for them.
"He leads not only with leadership, but with empathy, with kindness," Kite said. "And that kindness extends beyond fourth grade. He's showing that to all the students in the building. So he makes sure he puts forth his best foot forward. Even when he's having a bad day, he turns it right around."
At home, Gonzalez enjoys drawing, playing the Minecraft video game because it features building, and he also builds projects with cardboard and tape. He uses lots of spare cardboard boxes to craft creations, including a model of the Titanic.
"I think what's really important about Giovanni is he does always put in his best effort," Kite said. "But he's also resilient. When there is anything he doesn't understand right away or if he doesn't win a competition, he goes right back at it. He's happy to have even been part of it.
"I don't think I've ever had a student who has been able to spin it so positively so much of the time. I'm just really proud of him because he's been such an amazing leader in the classroom. He's got such a great heart, cares so much for everybody and he tries to make sure that everybody can succeed."
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