MHS September Student of the Month 2021
For the first time in more than a year, the Student of the Month ceremony returned to the Messalonskee Performing Arts Center on Sept. 29 in front of the entire student body.
“It’s nice to be able to restart our Student of the Month assemblies this year,” principal Paula Callan said to students in the packed PAC.
Safety concerns caused by the pandemic had forced the administration to provide a video recording of students receiving the SOM award perform during the previous school year.
While the pandemic has yet to end, life at the high school has begun to return to more traditional ways – albeit students continue to wear masks and adhere to certain restrictions because of COVID-19.
For SOM recipients, this meant they once more could stand on the PAC stage with their parents and other loved ones as they accepted their award.
Freshmen A.J. Worcester, sophomore Ethan Labbe, junior Nethaniel Petrillo, and senior Sarah Hellen received the honor for September.
Both Worcester and Labbe are presidents of their respective classes. Callan said Worcester is known for her motivated and curious nature, as well as her kind and helpful interactions with teachers and peers.
As for Labbe, Callan described the sophomore as “a great role model for dependability and accountability.” She also said teachers touted Labbe for the questions he asks that lead to a deeper understanding of class material.
Likewise, Callan praised junior SOM recipient Petrillo for his eagerness to participate in class discussions and add his thoughts and knowledge to conversations. In addition, she said Petrillo is “always on time and has excellent attendance.”
Callan said teachers consider senior winner Hellen a “true gem” for her ability to energize discussions in the classroom and her commitment both to self reflection and taking on challenges.
Finally, Callan announced that Doris Michaud of the Messalonskee technology department is the first recipient of the new Eagle Excellence award, an honor that goes to a Messalonskee staff member who makes a notable contribution to the school in some respect.
Callan said Michaud worked countless hours in her effort to distribute 800 new laptops to staff and students.