Some achievements in the classroom simply can’t be graded through letters of the alphabet.

Whether its through their tenacity in their studies or the positivity they bring to school with them each and every day of the week, some students possess traits that aren’t recorded on the report card.

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Dowagiac Union High Schools’ Youth Experiencing Success (YES) program, a group of 20 normally unsung freshmen received some well deserved recognition Monday morning.

Student advocate Doug Pearson, in partnership with the local Little Caesars restaurant, gave out certificates honoring the intangible accomplishments of the group of students inside the school media center that morning. The recipients were nominated by their teachers for either improving their grades since the beginning of the year or for their overall positive contributions to the learning environment.

“Some of these kids aren’t ones who normally are recognized through the honor roll, but they work hard in the classroom,” Pearson said. “They might not have the top grades, but they’re still great students.”

School guidance counselor Kara Cox stopped by the library that morning to congratulate the freshmen on their accomplishments, saying their work ethic and attitude will benefit them and their classmates as they continue their studies at the high school.

“You change the culture here when you work hard and contribute in the classroom,” Cox said.

Also attending the ceremony was Dowagiac Little Caesars store manager Randi Green, who gave out coupons for free breadsticks from the popular pizza chain. This was the first time the business has partnered with YES to honor high school students, joining other local establishments like McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King and Saylor’s Pizza.

“It’s really great to see the school take the opportunity to recognize these students,” Green said. “These aren’t the A or B students, but the ones that the teachers have recognized.”

The manager said Little Caesars is interested in continuing to work with YES in the future.

Businesses interested in participating in future YES events are encouraged to email Pearson at dpearson@dowagiacschools.org.

Honored that morning were:

Tommy Bermudez

John Brown

Alexia Burling

Al’dreonna Henderson

Miranda Ironside

Alexis Janes

Cania Joseph

Chandler Kiggins

Jalin King

Andrea Lister

Tayler McAfee

Katelyn McClung

Abigail Osmer

Jared Peters

Micah Price

Marissa Richey

Mariah Starrett

Jared Stilwell

Kazmere Williams

Tania Wilson