Herrin High School is always looking for ways to recognize and showcase good behavior. Starting last year, the Student of the Month award was introduced as a way to accomplish this.

The award of Student of the Month provides HHS with the opportunity to reward outstanding students throughout the school year. Each month, a different trait will be introduced and new students will be chosen for this incredible achievement.

For October, the trait was respect. Respect is the way you treat or think about others. Students Peyton Billingsley (9), Aubrey Huff (10), Charlie Schloemann (11), and Nevaeh Lee (12)

Freshman Peyton Billingsley participates in Tennis and Volleyball. In addition, she is also involved in FBLA. After high school, Peyton plans to go to college and become a traveling nurse. She defines respect as “treating people the way you want to be treated.”

Aubrey Huff is a sophomore this year. She is involved in Student Government, Spanish Club, FCA, and FBLA and participates in Cheer. Aubrey defines respect as “treating someone kindly even if they have done something to hurt you. Aubrey aspires to go to Lindenwood University and become a lawyer. 

Junior Charlie Schloemann is involved in Scholar Bowl, FBLA, HOSA, and Spanish Club. He defines respect as “treating people with kindness and courtesy. After high school, Charlie desires to go to an in-state university to become a doctor.

Nevaeh Lee is a senior this year. She defines respect as “treating others with compassion because you never know what someone is going through.” Nevaeh wants to go to college and pursue a law related career, such as a CSI or Lawyer.

Being respectful is not always easy, especially with peer pressure and social media, but despite this, it is a trait that we should strive to exhibit every day. Showing respect involves patience, empathy, strong ethics, and care. Richard Branson once said, “respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.”