Each trimester, the entire St. Michael-Albertville High School staff votes for a small group of students to receive a Courtesy and Respect award. Students are nominated by staff members based on the following criteria: performing as well as they can academically, demonstrating good common sense and decision-making skills, participating in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities to the best of their ability, and demonstrating sincere courtesy and respect with school staff and peers.
“It’s just awesome to watch these young people grow into leaders in our school,” high school principal Bob Driver said. “In the hallways, in the lunchroom, in the classrooms, these students are stepping up and being leaders and role models for the other students.”
Driver said the Courtesy and Respect award is ‘quite an honor,’ as a staff of about 140 teachers choose 12 award recipients from 2,100 students. The students received their award in front of the school board at Monday’s meeting.
This trimester’s winners include the following students:
9th grade:
Will Sarkinen Christopher & Christine
Ethan Yantes Theron & Diane
Nicholas Hoefener Lance & Courtney
10th grade:
Isabel Berning Dennis & Carrie
Derek Zahler Dana & Shelley
Cobin Szymanski Joel & Kim
11th grade:
Boston Merila Wendy & Mark
Taylor Ripplinger Thomas Ripplinger & Karla Kilian
Christian Labrador Ricky & Sharon
12th grade:
Kristina Hoffman Todd & Kari
Owen Sorby Paul & Kelly
Jonah Breuer Brian & Heather
“They are stepping up, day in and day out,” Driver said of the students. He also commended the students’ parents for their efforts in bringing up exemplary teenagers.
“You’re an impressive group of students, and you clearly embody STMA’s core values of respect, caring, kindness and responsibility,” Superintendent Dr. Ann-Marie Foucault added.