FAIRFIELD — Reds first baseman Sean Casey and broadcaster Joe Nuxhall didn't talk baseball last week when they visited Fairfield's Central Elementary School.

        It was respect and honesty that drew the men to an all-school assembly that ended a yearlong emphasis on character development at the 550-pupil school in southern Butler County. Each month a different character trait was discussed. Students exhibiting the trait received incentive goodies at special assemblies.

        “It's so refreshing to know there's a major league player that's doing it the right way,” said Kim Nuxhall, son of Joe Nuxhall and a physical education teacher on the committee that arranged the assembly. “They were here as Sean Casey the person and Joe Nuxhall the man, not to just talk baseball.”

        Before their visit, students were given sidewalk chalk and allowed to decorate the playground to welcome Mr. Nuxhall and Mr. Casey. Messages of welcome and “We Respect You” were scribbled throughout the playground. Similar messages are contained in thank you letters that will be mailed out this week, Kim Nuxhall said.

        Because of the school's emphasis on respect this year, referrals to the principal are down 58 percent, Kim Nuxhall said.

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