This year, the Herrin High School will be selecting one student from each grade that exemplifies a specific character trait in and out of the classroom each month. These students are nominated by Herrin High School faculty and staff for their positive role model behavior in and out of the classroom.
For the month of September, integrity was the trait to be highlighted. Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Students Michael Cagle (12), Vince Champion (11), Skyla Triplett (10) and Shaniya Johnson (9) were all chosen as upholding integrity in the face of all things that the high school pressures challenge. These students were chosen for being honest, being reliable, having the courage to do the right thing, building a good reputation, being loyal and standing by their family, friends, school and country.
Shaniya Johnson is a freshman this year. She participates in FCA and Student Government. She is also very active in sports, playing volleyball, basketball and running track. She believes integrity is an important trait to have, because “it shows the kind of person you are.” After high school, Shaniya plans to become a doctor, specifically family medicine.
Skyla Triplett is a sophomore this year. She takes part in Spanish Club and amps up school spirit with Pep Club. She is a second year member on the Tigerettes dance team. She is enjoying high school and currently doesn’t have any set plans for after high school. Skyla thinks that anyone can be a “good kid” so long as they have integrity.
Vince Champion is a junior this year. Participating in enough clubs for his whole class, he takes part in Math Team, Scholar Bowl, FCA, FBLA, HOSA, Rotary, Spanish Club and Student Government. He is also a returning player for the Tiger tennis and golf teams. In his eyes, “You get further in life if you do everything honestly.” While Vince has no specific plan yet, he knows he wants to attend a four-year college after high school.
Michael Cagle is a senior and has repeatedly held integrity to a top tier. Michael agrees that it is an honorable mindset, saying, “I do what I’m supposed to do, and I do my best.” He is involved in FBLA, Math Team and National Honor Society. He is also a player on the Tiger soccer and tennis teams. He plans to major in accounting or analytics, and attend either Eastern Illinois University or Southern Illinois University after he graduates.
This award allows the school to reward outstanding students throughout the school year. At the end of the year, one student from those selected each month will be chosen by the Herrin High School staff to be awarded with the True Tiger, the Student of the Year award.
October’s trait will be respect. Teachers and staff will be looking to award students that show respect to each other, to oneself, and to faculty and community.
