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.
The trait for March was citizenship. Citizenship means working together to make a positive difference in the community. The chosen students this month were Madison Dickerson (9), Imogen Coop (10), Ava Goetting (11), and Vince Champion (12).
The senior who exhibited the trait of citizenship was Vince Champion. He participates in bowling and golf and is active in Student Government, Math Team, FBLA, HOSA, Rotary, NHS, and ACES. Vince believes it is important to be involved because it “builds character and allows you to be inclusive in meeting new people”. Vince believes that citizenship is important since “collaboration is the key to success, and finding a group consensus is what’s best”. Looking to future plans, Vince will be attending EIU in the fall to pursue a degree in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration.
Ava Goetting represents the trait of citizenship for the junior class. For Ava, she is involved in school activities to “show appreciation for others by helping them out and connecting with them”. Ava is involved in HOSA, FBLA, Student Government, NHS, Science Squad, Rotary, Pep Club, Spanish Club, and Tigers United. She says that one can demonstrate citizenship by “being kind and participating in different events so you can help as much as you can”. Ava desires to become a psychologist.
Sophomore Imogen Coop received the award of citizenship. She is involved in Math Team, HOSA, Student Government, Drama Club, French Club, Chorus, Band, and Musical. Imogen feels that getting involved allows “you to learn and experience new things and get yourself out there”. Asked about the trait of citizenship, Imogen responded by explaining that “getting involved in your community and making connections is a key factor”. Imogen is interested in a Southern school where she desires to get a degree and become a labor and delivery nurse.
For the freshmen class, Madison Dickerson represented the trait of citizenship. Madison emphasized the importance of getting involved because it “shows people you work hard and gets your name out there”. For sports, she participates in Basketball and Softball and is also involved in Student Government. Madison feels that you can demonstrate citizenship by “showing happiness to all and helping others out”. Madison seeks to earn a softball scholarship and become a physical therapist.
Citizenship is a unique trait that can be challenging, but the students listed above have gone above and beyond to positively impact their community and help others around them whenever they can. As Tom Vilsack once said, “People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and common purpose can make the impossible possible”.
