Several students received top awards Tuesday evening during the annual Dowagiac Middle School Honors and Awards Program.

The middle school’s administration and teachers, honoring students who had exceptional performance in school subjects, attendance and other academic areas, presented more than 12 award categories. For some students, what awards they would be given were a mystery. Others had an inkling of what they would be receiving.

“I’m not sure what awards I’m getting,” sixth-grader James Millin said. “But it feels good to know we’re rewarded for getting good grades and keeping up with your school work.”

Lindsey Bogen, also in sixth grade at the middle school, was one of the students to receive the Academic Award and the Presidential Education Award.

“It feels good, and it’s nice that they recognize our hard work,” Bogen said.

Bogen’s mother, Debbie, said she was excited to see her daughter rewarded her first year in middle school.

“I’m very proud of her,” Debbie said. “It’s her first year here, and she’s done such a great job.”

During the ceremony, Principal Mike Frazier expressed his pride in the students attending.

“We hope that this is the first of many honors and awards evenings they encounter,” Frazier said to the audience. “Everyone knows about setting the bar. We’re happy to have all the students here who have set or exceeded the bar this year.”

Principal Matt Severin also said he was proud to take part in the ceremony.

“It’s fun to honor these students,” Severin said. “It’s probably one of my favorite nights of the year.”