For the past three years, Herrin High School has presented the Student of the Month award to four outstanding individuals each month who demonstrate the traits of a Herrin Tiger. The highlighted trait for January was positivity, which is the practice of being optimistic in attitude, even when it is difficult.
The selected students for January were Jacie Watson (12), RaKyzha Tucker-Benjamin (11), Nathan Jones (10), and Cameron Gooden (9).
For the senior class, Jacie Watson received the award. She defines positivity as “being nice to people, brightening up their day, and making people happy.” When discussing the importance of being a positive person, Jacie emphasized that “you never know what people have gone through, so it’s always good to be that light around everyone.” Throughout her day, she tries to cheer others up by smiling and giving compliments. “I’m always smiling. It makes me happy when I’m nice to someone, and it makes them smile too. It’s the small things that make a difference,” Jacie explained. Jacie highlighted her friends and family for demonstrating positivity by helping her calm down when she is stressed or upset. Jacie added to this sentiment, saying, “They (friends and family) are always there for me when I need support and guidance.” A teacher whom Jacie often sees exhibiting positivity is Mr. Tate, who she says is always so nice and encouraging. Throughout the remainder of high school, Jacie is determined to continue improving in track and field.
The junior who earned the award was RaKyzha Tucker-Benjamin, who defines positivity as “the ability to find the bright side of things and stop focusing so much on the negative.” She reveals that often, people focus on the negative, and it makes them feel anxious and frustrated. “People find themselves in a situation where they think they can’t get out of it, so it’s important to be that positive influence and encouragement,” RaKyzha said. Explaining further, she says that when a friend comes to her and is unhappy about something, she comforts them and asks them to name a few happy moments from the day. For RaKyzha, her way to lighten the mood is to make jokes, which often allows people to open up and feel more at ease. Among all of the teachers at the high school, RaKyzha said that Mrs. Sabens has demonstrated positivity the most by “always smiling and being a good influence, which brightens everyone’s mood.” Through her own life, she also highlighted her mom for being able to find the positive even through difficult situations. Looking to the rest of high school, RaKyzha aims to keep her grades up and become more involved in school organizations.
Sophomore Nathan Jones was also a recipient of the award. For Nathan, positivity means “being joyful even when things are rough, both in school and throughout life.” Yet it doesn’t stop there, for he also explained that the ability to shine through negativity is just as important. “Positivity can brighten up someone else’s day. If you show you’re being happy, it’s almost contagious because it’s difficult to see someone else happy and not want to be like that too.” One way Nathan likes to convey positivity is through laughter, which he says demonstrates your ability to find enjoyment in life. Additionally, he also seeks to help others and be kind to them. Mr. Ewell is a teacher Nathan sees exemplifying positivity constantly, elaborating that “he finds enjoyment out of humor and always tries to connect with his students.” He also named his brother for always being a positive person and a role model. Nathan is looking to the rest of high school with various goals and a mindset of growth. “I aim to show progress in everything I set my goals to, such as improving in math team, cross country, and anything else. At the end of high school, I want to leave knowing that I gave the maximum effort possible,” Nathan concluded.
The fourth recipient to receive the award was Cameron Gooden. Cameron feels that positivity involves more than just our thoughts, but also having a positive impact and attitude as well. “Positivity allows others not to feel sad. I never want people to feel unhappy, so I often ask what I can do to make them feel better,” Cameron said. He does this by asking them what’s on their mind, so that in the future, he can try to discuss their interests and hobbies to lighten the mood. Adding to that, Cameron emphasized that “everyone needs positivity in their lives. It’s important for good mental health, and it allows others around you to be happy too. Pointing to people around him who are positive, Cameron named Kylie, Abagail King, and Imogen Coop. “Kylie has a lot going on in her life, but she always tries to lift others up and exhibit a positive attitude. As for Abagail and Imogen, they’re both funny people to be around and often make me laugh,” he explained. Through the next three years of high school, Cameron aims to become more involved and make more friends in the process.
The trait of positivity is essential to lifting others up and spreading kindness. The four standout students who were given this award have gone above and beyond to spread joy throughout their daily lives. From the Tiger Tattler Staff, congratulations to this month’s recipients; stay tuned for the next Student of the Month edition in early March.
