Senior Levi Roberts received a Most Improved Student award from social studies teacher John McDaris. Photo by Kathryn Bailey
By Catherine Lemel
Brevard High School gives recognition for many achievements academic excellence with the valedictorian and athletic achievement with the most valuable player award and leadership awards. There is one academic achievement, however, that has gone unrecognized by BHS. These are the most improved students.
Kathryn Bailey, BHS French teacher and the coordinator of the Most Improved Student award and ceremony, said that too often the only people who receive awards are at the top of the class. “While this is still very important,”Bailey said, “ it is also important to recognize the kids who work tirelessly to improve themselves even if they don’t have the best grades in the class.” she said that she had seen this done at other schools and she brainstormed with John Hart, vice principal of BHS, to see if they could start honoring the most improved at BHS.
Bailey said that the ceremony was received very well by the students. She said that she believed that this was the first time some of these kids had ever been recognized and that the whole ceremony was very touching. “Bailey said that she could see the pride on the students faces as they walked up to receive their award after listening to their teachers recognized their accomplishments.”
Freshman Lindsay Roess, said that when she first for the notice in the mail, she thought that she had done something wrong and when she found out what is was, she was really surprised. She also said “ I had received other awards such as the A/B honor roll in middle school but not awards as significant or unique as this one. This award will encourage her to work harder in class so she might be eligible for another Most Improved Student award because it was such a huge honor.”
Senior Jonathon Colbert said that it was a huge surprise. He said his reaction was “What? Who? Me?” Colbert also said that he was very happy and that being recognized encouraged him to work harder in all of his classes.
Bailey also said that parents also really liked the ceremony. She said that they were very proud of their children. Bailey said she could see the parents taking pictures and even some parents took off work early to come see the ceremony. Bailey said that one parent approached her and said, “My daughter has always worked hard. She sees her peers get awards at award ceremonies but she never gets any herself. This means so much to her.” Bailey also said that this program will definitely continue in the future because it is important that these students realize that the teachers and the school see their efforts and appreciate them.