SBHS revamps award program

High honors awarded to best students

By: Bill Greenwood
   Exceptional students at South Brunswick High School will soon find their hard work resulting in more than just good grades.
   This year, the school has implemented a new honor roll system that will bestow high honors to any student who maintains a 4.0 GPA or higher. It awards honors to any student who maintains a 3.8 to 3.99 GPA for one quarter, according to a school press release.
   "We hope that students will be inspired by the honor roll to achieve their greatest potential academically," Tim Matheney, the high school principal, said.
   Previously, any student with a B average or higher, limited absences and no disciplinary reports was eligible for recognition.
   In addition, high school staff members may nominate students for the Principal’s Distinction Award. According to the press release, the award is meant to honor students who show exceptional academic improvement in a quarter or make a "significant and unique contribution to the school."
   Those who meet the requirements will receive a congratulatory letter from Mr. Matheney and have their names submitted to the local newspaper and on a framed list in the school’s main entrance, Mr. Matheney said. The first list would be released to the public approximately two weeks after teachers submit their grades, which are due Nov. 15.
   "Research on effective schools says that schools that take time to recognize student achievement have a higher level of success in the end," Mr. Matheney said.
   Mr. Matheney said plans are being made to construct an academic recognition area inside the main entrance. The planning phase for the project will begin in the fall and will most likely be a three-year process, he added.
   According to Mr. Matheney, the new system is an improvement over the old one, which was implemented during the 2000-2001 school year and was run by the Renaissance Program. The group, which was made up of students from the school, would distribute cards good for discounts at participating local businesses to exceptional students. Other incentives, like trips to sporting events and prize giveaways, were also provided.
   Mr. Matheney said he thought it was time for the principal’s office to take over the program, adding that the new GPA levels required for recognition are much stricter than those required before.
   "I think we’ve raised the standards for recognition," he said.