Three years ago, a group of Herrin High School teachers came up with a creative new initiative to reward good student behavior: Student of the Month. The award gives teachers the chance each month to nominate one student from every grade who demonstrates the highlighted trait. The selected trait for March was citizenship, which means a behavior or quality of demonstrating responsibility throughout the community.
The chosen students for March were Armani Haskins (9), Sophia Davis (10), Aubrey Huff (11), and Gigi George (12).
Gigi George was the recipient of the award for the senior class, and she defined citizenship as the ability to “maintain responsibilities, speak kindly to others around you, and make everyone feel welcome.” On ways to demonstrate citizenship, George emphasized the power of small actions that can make a large difference. “For me, just talking to others, even if I do not know them, can show true care,” George said. Additionally, she also feels that someone who demonstrates citizenship creates a more positive environment. “Citizenship can make your connections with others a lot stronger as well as foster a sense of community and trust,” George said that Ms. Hickman is a teacher who displays citizenship because she “makes all of her students feel welcome and is a positive role model.” George will be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the fall, where she will double major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Healthcare Management.
For the junior class, Aubrey Huff was the recipient. Huff believes citizenship means “respecting those around you and being involved in your community.” She believes that citizenship is an important trait to demonstrate because it opens up more opportunities to get involved and meet new people. Huff listed several ways that one can demonstrate citizenship in school, such as “not being rude to others, listening and being respectful to teachers, and signing up for clubs.” While there are many she observes demonstrating citizenship, she highlighted two standout individuals. “For a teacher, Ms. Bonfield is someone who stands out in my mind. She is always planning different activities for Student Government to participate in, and she encourages students to get involved in different activities. Isabella Ratchford is a student I’d highlight because she tries very hard to get others involved in Rotary and is a positive role model,” Huff said. Through the rest of high school, Huff seeks to be her class president and maintain good grades.
Sophomore Sophia Davis was also an awardee. To Davis, citizenship means “doing what you are supposed to do, owning up to your actions, and being truthful.” On the importance of citizenship, she elaborated and said that “it shows who you really are as a person.” Because citizenship revolves around involvement, Davis emphasized that students should “not be scared to take chances. Get involved in a lot of activities and clubs, especially if you feel that you don’t know anyone. You will have the opportunity to make many new friends along the way.” Mrs. Culver is a teacher whom Davis observes demonstrating citizenship. “She is always there to listen and wants the best for every one of her students,” Davis said. Throughout the next few years, she aims to stay active in various school clubs and keep good grades.
The fourth recipient is Armani Haskins, who defines citizenship as “being responsible, taking accountability for your actions, and being joyful.” Elaborating on her statements, Haskins says that showing citizenship “sets an example, mainly because it shows others what they are supposed to do.” She says that small actions during the school day can demonstrate citizenship. “Being on your best behavior, smiling at others, and celebrating their accomplishments are all small actions we can do,” Haskins said. Mr. Guined is a teacher who sees demonstrating citizenship because “he sets an example and always makes people smile.” Throughout the next three years of high school, Haskins aims to become a better person every day.
The trait of citizenship is essential for personal growth and leadership. The four standout students who were given this award have gone above and beyond to get involved in their school and demonstrate citizenship wherever they go. Stay tuned for this year’s last Student of the Month edition as well as the Student of the Year announcement in early May.
