High school recognizes students for intangibles

While their names may not be at the top of honor roll every semester, a select group of Dowagiac Union High School freshmen were recognized this week for the integral role they play inside their classrooms.

On Tuesday, 31 students were honored for their hard work outside of tests and homework as part of the school’s ongoing Youth Experiencing Success program, receiving a coupon for a free personal pan pizza and drink from local Pizza Hut manager Stacy Behnke. A group of teachers nominated the students for the award, based on good classroom behavior, participation, or improvement since the beginning of the semester, factors which help contribute to a more positive classroom experience.

“They’re good students and they work hard,” said Student Advocate Doug Pearson, the organizer of the school’s YES program. “They’re still contributing to the positive learning environment of the school.”

Last month, a different group of freshmen were recognized for earning all A’s and B’s during the first marking period, earning coupons from the local McDonalds.

The group of students honored on Tuesday, while not as successful in the academic sense, deserve similar praise for their accomplishments during the difficult transition between middle and high school, Pearson said.

“That’s what makes this particular award meaningful to me, because we can recognize students who aren’t normally recognized who deserve to be.”

Now in it’s third year of operation, the YES program celebrates the achievements freshmen and sophomores students at the school, in partnership with several local businesses, including McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King and Saylor’s Pizza.

During the same ceremony last year, the program honored 22 freshmen based off similar criteria. The bump in nominations from teachers this year came as a pleasant surprise to Pearson, he said.

“I think the teachers realize this is more than just a student getting a certificate,” he said. “It’s more than just a simple recognition, as you have a business sponsoring the award.”

The program is still in the process of searching for another sponsor for a ceremony dedicated toward honoring juniors. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to call Pearson at dpearson@dowagiacschools.org.

Tuesday’s recipients were:

Dustie Green

Qwintrayl Scott

Kalob Przybylinski

Breanna Berry

Jonathon Larock

Kassidy Binns

Mariano Brito

Donald Brooks

Natalie Davis

Daniela Victoria

Courtney Collett Green

Matthew Bryant

Connor Carlisle

Lexi Scott

Karlie Checkley

Caleb Jones

Emily Longden

Jamie O’Brien

Samantha Payne

Jessica Robison

Sage Salas

Jessaney Stockwell

Sammy Alfuqha

Antonisha Wilson

Matthew Cloud

Gage First

Nathan Ickes

Andrea Payne

Drew Rank

Gwen Summons

Savannah Price