Circleville Middle School (CVMS) Assistant Principal Seth Siegel has been named the Upstate Jane Golub Gold Star Educator Award winner by the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate initiative.
Each year, the Anti-Defamation League chooses three gold star students and an educator from a region for this honor. The Gold Star Educator Award recognizes educators who go above and beyond the expectations in implementing the No Place for Hate program in schools.

The award means a lot to Siegel and he is proud of students and teachers who have an active role in the program.
“Many of our activities were student-led,” he said. “This is more about the teachers and students having such an active role in each activity. I wanted to infuse the No Place for Hate Program into the day and we have definitely been able to do that.”
Siegel recognizes the benefits of the No Place for Hate Program, as it emphasizes kindness and respect.
“We show each other kindness and respect every day, between students and teachers,” he said. “This program cultivates that respect.”
For four years, Siegel has been an assistant principal at CVMS. Prior to that, he was a school counselor for nearly 10 years. Character development has always been at the forefront of his goals. He noted that his goal in both positions has been to grow and develop students into successful young adults.
The No Place for Hate Program has had a positive effect on students, supported by both data and behavior. Members of the faculty say that CVMS students are very kind. Older students are seen helping younger ones. Students stick up for others when bullying occurs.
Though the district has taken positive steps forward in their character education, Siegel added that there is always room for improvement.
“This award shows we have done a lot in our building,” Siegel said. “At CVMS, we emphasize that we don’t want our students and staff to accept or tolerate others. Instead, we celebrate them and their differences. We strive for this.”