What started as a small incentive program at HHS has quickly grown into a highly sought-after school award. Just two years ago, Herrin High School introduced the Student of the Month program, which aimed to recognize and showcase students who exemplify good behavior and demonstrate certain qualities in their daily lives.  

The award provides HHS with the opportunity to reward outstanding students throughout the school year. Each month, a different trait is highlighted, and new students will be chosen for this incredible achievement. Students are nominated and voted on by their teachers. 

When asked about the Student of the Month award, HHS social worker Tracy Cornelius explained that it “defines what it means to be a True Tiger. This recognition is separate from academic achievement, but equally important, as it highlights the leadership and character traits that contribute to a positive school community.”

For September, the particular trait was integrity. When applied to how a student interacts with others, integrity means to uphold personal values, ethics, and commitments consistently. That’s not all, though; integrity also encompasses trustworthiness and reliability in the face of tough situations.  

Although many students were nominated for September, the four selected students were Braden Davis (12), Nolen Frost (11), Kylie Trexler (10), and Joseph Oldani (9). 

For the senior class, Braden Davis was the recipient. He defines integrity as “having personal beliefs or morals that you always seek to uphold, but being honest if you are wrong or make a mistake.” He believes that showing integrity goes far beyond words; it also involves consistency in your actions. “Integrity truly exists when someone is consistent in how they act. Be consistent in how you act and always uphold your personal values,” said Braden. Additionally, he encourages students not to be discouraged when they make mistakes, but instead should learn from them and use those negative experiences as motivation. In his life, Braden says that his parents are great examples in his life for showing integrity because they constantly encourage and motivate, stand up for their beliefs, and learn from mistakes. 

Receiving the award for the junior class was Nolen Frost, who believes that integrity involves “accountability in standing up for yourself and admitting when you’re wrong.” He explained that you can show this during school by being honest with your teachers, getting classwork turned in on time, and showing others you care for them. While he acknowledged that the trait of integrity can be a difficult thing to display, Nolan encourages others to “keep on working until you are the best that you can be.” Nolan is involved in an array of activities and sports, and with that added responsibility, he feels that “being involved has allowed me to find like-minded people who show the same traits and have similar interests.” In his life, Nolan has spotlighted his dad for working very hard and not being afraid to admit when he makes a mistake, which Nolan feels demonstrates integrity. 

Sophomore Kylie Trexler also won the award for integrity, which she defines as “doing what’s right even when it’s difficult.” For her, showing integrity is important because it keeps someone humble enough to admit their mistakes but still feel free to express their opinions. Kylie believes that it’s the simple actions that show integrity the most, such as “stating your opinion in a way that doesn’t put others down and being honest with everyone.” Above all else, she emphasized that kindness is a key factor in demonstrating integrity, and later added that humility is also important. Kylie said that HHS is a “good place to show off your integrity because of the community it fosters.” She has observed many in her life demonstrating integrity, but none more than her mom. “My mom deals with kids every day at her job, and when you’re in that kind of field, you need integrity. She shows it every day,” Kylie said. 

The fourth recipient of this award was freshman Joseph Oldani. He believes that integrity means that you can “say what you believe and stand up for yourself, but also do it in a way that allows others to be heard.” Joseph explained that showing integrity would indicate that if you were wrong about an issue or your actions were rude, the right action would be to apologize and ask for forgiveness. For students who want to show a greater amount of integrity, Joseph encouraged them to first “look around and see how your actions are affecting others. Everything involves integrity, and how you display it affects the community.” Through his close relationship with his dad, Joseph sees integrity being displayed. “I have always looked up to my dad. He has helped me through a lot of situations and has allowed me to see the best of things.”

Demonstrating integrity every day can ultimately be challenging, as it involves many characteristics in a person’s life. But these four outstanding students listed have gone above and beyond to uphold the values of integrity and demonstrate Tiger Pride. Writer C.S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Throughout each day, seek to do the right thing, but admit when you are struggling. 

Stay tuned for the next Student of the Month edition, coming in November!