The student of the month award at Battle High school has stirred up quite the controversy. When I asked, Zachary Burks how he felt about the award he bluntly said, “It’s stupid.” When prompted why he felt this way he responded, “I feel like the student of the month award makes those who do not receive it feel inferior”.

This could be a serious concern because the award is not meant to discourage the students, it’s actually meant to do the exact opposite and encourage them to display our Battle C.H.A.R.G.E. on a daily basis. When I asked Mrs. Piatt how she felt about the award she said, “I think it’s a great idea to increase our recognition of students who live up to the C.H.A.R.G.E. Last year we spent so much time getting the school running we didn’t pay enough attention to recognizing the students.” When made aware that a student said the award made them feel inferior, she responded; “I think it’s a valid concern but if you know what you need to do and actually want it you’ll work for it and if we just didn’t recognize the students it would seem like we don’t see all that they are doing. If you want the award step up and work for it.”

For the student receiving the award, being student of the month is a great accomplishment and is always something to strive for.