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 November, the trait was responsibility. Responsibility is the ability to deal with a tough situation, being able to be accountable for someone or something, or the opportunity to act independently and make good decisions. The chosen students this month were Kari Eggemeyer (9), Shaniya Johnson (10), Ava Liefer (11), and Kendal Yates (12).
For the freshmen class, Kari Eggemeyer represents the trait of responsibility. When it comes to involvement in school, Kari feels that it helps benefit the community and allows our student body to be recognized for the good deeds they accomplish. She participates in softball and is involved in Math Team, FCA, Scholar Bowl, Student Government, Spanish Club, Tigers 4 Life, and HOSA. To exhibit responsibility, Kari believes that one “must take ownership of one’s actions”. Her dream college is LSU, where she would like to study and become a nurse practitioner.
Sophomore Shaniya Johnson encompasses the trait of responsibility. She participates in volleyball, basketball, and track, playing one sport per season. In terms of involvement at school, Shaniya is active in Student Government and FCA. Furthermore, she believes that being involved helps benefit her future. Responsibility, Shaniya describes, is “doing all of the duties you’re supposed to do”. Shaniya strives to play volleyball in college and wants to become a dermatologist.
Ava Liefer represents the trait of responsibility for the junior class. Reflected in her participation in clubs, Ava believes that school involvement is important and feels that she gains valuable knowledge. She is involved in HOSA, FBLA, Tigers 4 Life, FCA, and Pep Club. To Ava, responsibility means “keeping up with all that you have to do and succeeding at it”. Looking toward future plans, she aims to go to college at SEMO to major in nursing.
The Senior who represented the trait of responsibility is Kendal Yates. Kendal participates in Volleyball and Cheer, and is involved in Student Government, NHS, Rotary, and Pep Club. Through these activities, she is able to experience new things and get to meet new people in the process. Kendal believes that responsibility is “the ability of someone to take care of their assigned tasks on-time”. For her college and career, Kendal has committed to Blackburn College and plans to become a pharmacist.
Exhibiting the trait of responsibility in your everyday life is not the easiest thing to do, and it’s even more difficult when a student is juggling so many activities and tasks at once. Nevertheless, responsibility is a trait we should all strive to show in our everyday lives. Ultimately, responsibility involves accountability, honesty, integrity, self-discipline, and commitment. As John Steinbeck once said, “People need responsibility. They resist assuming it, but they can’t get along without it”.
