Earning student of the month distinction may be something not many people hear about, but still every month a Powell High School student receives this honor.

“I was excited to hear that I won,” said senior James Sheets who was PHS’ November student of the month.

Many students don’t realize this exists until they receive a nomination paper from the office. The paper explains that a teacher has nominated you to be considered for student of the month for that month. Although the actual choosing process is more extensive, receiving a nomination is still an achievement.

“It is an honor to be nominated,” Mrs. Susan Skalsky, PHS administrative assistant said.

The process for deciding who the student of the month is determined by nominations from teachers and then the criteria is considered. For a student to be considered they must be in good standing, a GPA of 3.2 or better and involved in one major activity.

“I send out a memo to the teachers asking for nominations for student of the month for the month,” Mrs. Skalsky said.

Freshmen and sophomores can be nominated, but students don’t go on the ballot for student of the month until their junior or senior year.

Sheets plans on using his win on college and scholarship applications he fills out. He will also receive a plaque at the end of the year and a section about him was published in the Powell Tribune.  

“I consider it a great honor to be nominated and I was very happy to find out that I won,” Sheets said.

Student of the month may not be something that many people realize actually exists, but to those that win it is a great honor and something that should encourage students to work hard.

“I still think that hard work and dedication is the best way to succeed and I plan on continuing to work hard in school,” Sheets said.

The September student of the month was Maddy Hanks and October’s was Rhett Pimentel.