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By Briana Donaldson
The Underclassman Awards Ceremony, located in the A-wing gymnasium of PAHS recognizes students grades nine through eleven. This event planned to celebrate the underclassmen for their academic achievements and community service before they become seniors. Together students, family, friends, and faculty members sit ready to acknowledge those who have put in the time and dedication into their academics and outside of school activities.
Underclassmen who were invited to the ceremony were handed an envelope throughout the school day from Pen Argyl Area education association member Ryan Hinton . The specific school subject or activity of the award stayed anonymous until the ceremony. This was done so that the students can have a more memorable night.
According to Hinton, the students who were selected for this opportunity were based off of their grade point average and grade in the class. Across 11 different departments at PAHS certificates are given out. Ryan Hinton wants those who have received this opportunity to know that they are well respected by saying “Congratulations on a job well done. All of your teachers are extremely proud of your academic accomplishments.”
Photo Courtesy of Claire Mamana
Amber Krisukas, Assistant Principal, hands Claire Mamana, sophomore, her Top Ten in Grade certificate at underclassmen awards.
As the ceremony made its way closer Claire mamana showed her gratitude saying “I feel good. It makes me confident in myself for the future and it reflects on all the work that I did in order to get here.” These awards are made as pathways to encourage students to go above and beyond their own potential.
Guidance counselor Eric Sampson highlights the importance of student achievement. Sampson states that high school is always a competition towards your future. “Being competitive in any type of environment builds character and it also hopefully builds a work ethic that you'll take with you long after you're done here at Pen Argyl High School.”
The ceremony was far more than the medals and certificates the students received. It helps build more confidence and motivation for those who received awards and also those who didn’t. “They're studying for their tests, they're completing outside projects, so I think it's always good for us to recognize students that are working hard.” Said Sampson. The Underclassman Awards Ceremony continues to call attention to those who put in the time and effort to get to this point.
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