Every semester at ANHS, each teacher on campus picks one student as their chosen Student of the Semester. Each student chosen for Student of the Semester is recognized for their exemplary performance in a certain class, whether they are chosen for academic or behavioral success.
Nominated students will be awarded at a luncheon at school on Dec. 13. The reward for this accomplishment is a picture with the teacher who chose them, a certificate for why they were chosen, and a speech of appreciation for such students from the principal.
Many of the administrators are also present for the Student of the Semester celebrations to speak on behalf of the school in appreciation of them as well as personal gratitude in upkeep of the school’s reputation and status.
The tradition of the Student of the Semester goes back over a decade, a time-honored tradition at Aliso Niguel to appreciate improving and exceedingly performing students at the school.
In terms of students nominated for performance awards by specific teachers, one student is nominated per semester, as well as three additional students at the end of the year for the Esprit de Wolverine, which is recognized at a separate, more public award ceremony. The Student of the Semester has historically been a more private affair often constituting a catered lunch for the students and teachers to attend at school.
The Esprit de Wolverine awards are yet another prestigious school award where teachers nominate students for exemplary performance in a specific subject throughout the entire school year.
An administrator who will be present at the event claims, “The event is a good way to reward students for their class work and attitudes. It encourages continued good behavior in classes.”
Students will be notified of their nomination closer to the actual event.
Although every teacher chooses their Student of the Semester based on different criteria, a common theme seems to be good performance and improvement in both academic and interactive aspects. The decisions by each teacher were finalized and sent in by Dec. 1 as the deadline.
Mrs. Holloway, an English teacher at ANHS, comments on her own choices and general criteria for the students she nominates, “It is not always the student with the highest grade. An important aspect is also improvement and growth throughout the semester. Those students contribute to a good classroom environment with participation and their overall behavior.”
Since teachers have two options to choose a Student of the Semester throughout the year, many teachers also try to choose students from different grade levels and particularly from different classes. Regardless, the decision always appears difficult since teachers only get to choose one Student of the Semester although they often teach five to six classes with around 30 students per class.
The student earns the opportunity to have a discussion with the teacher at the luncheon about what earned them the honor. The reward for their exemplary performances in the classroom are noticed and appreciated.
