This quarter, numerous students have been nominated as Student of the Quarter. Students are chosen based on their behaviors in the classroom, how they represent their best selves through actively showing engagement and stepping out of the box.

“There is a group of teachers who came up with this idea back in August. So it was one of their goals to recognize students to exemplify respect, responsibility, and excellence,” Assistant Principal Amanda Faunce said.

Faunce and her committee of BGC members take time each quarter to ask teachers to submit names of students who stick out in their representation of Free State’s core values. Due to the inclement weather days in the third quarter, Faunce said there hasn’t been enough time to nominate students consistently. However, Faunce confirmed that there are about 10-12 students nominated each month.

“We did recognize students in the first semester that weren’t a part of the [third quarter] group… It’s just because we had all of those snow days, finding any consistency to actually get the names, get the certificates printed, and then get students [in the office]. We ended up just combining all of them for the third quarter,” Faunce said.

While giving out the certificates for Students of the Quarter, Faunce said most of the students think they are in trouble being called into the office. Faunce said some also question the fact that they even got nominated.

Student of the Quarter Emily Ahern said that she didn’t know Student of the Quarter was a program, which made receiving her certificate surprising. Ahern said she believes students are chosen based on good behaviors and relationships.

“I think the teachers notice student’s ability to get their work in on time, pay attention, and be respectful… I was a little surprised when I found out I was nominated but I have a good relationship with all of my teachers so [I was] not super surprised.” Ahern said.