Iola High students recently learned that good character traits and practices can also win awards.
Leadership class students won two honors, one national and one state.
Jodi Grover, outgoing Iola High School counselor and leadership instructor, credited this year’s students with having a focused direction.
“In years past, we would have a hard time getting students to keep with the things they had committed to,” Grover said. “This year, with students like Brittany Gapa, they did a lot to show the community that students can be relied upon to contribute to the well-being of Iola.”
One of particularly successful programs was having students read to elementary-age children in order to promote childhood literacy. The project was one of many that helped boost IHS to win the award, “State School of Character.”
The award recognizes a school that has improved academic standing, student behavior and school climate through a series of documented steps. In addition to putting together the reading program, promoting things like safe driving, refusing to drink underage and civic awareness were what separated USD 257 from the rest. Iola was recognized, along with USD 460 Hesston, as one of just two winners of the award.
“It’s a great honor for the district,” Grover said.
THE SECOND FEATHER in USD 257’s proverbial cap was the National Promising Practices Award.
The program that earned the honor was titled, “Follow the Leader,” a program designed by the leadership class as a way to promote anti-bullying, self-motivation and goal-setting strategies.
“Our students went into the elementary schools and really talked to students about these principles,” Grover said. “They also spent time talking to their fellow students as we try to build a culture of open-mindedness within the district. We want all students to feel welcome here as they try to achieve academically.”
Gapa was credited with a lot of the drive behind the efforts of the two awards by many of the administration within the district.
“Brittany is a smart girl who can get anything done that she wants,” Brian Pekarek, USD 257 superintendent, said. “A lot of what we have been able to accomplish this year has been in part because of what her and students like her have been able to accomplish.”
Though Grover is moving, she has high hopes for the future of the leadership class program at IHS. Grover hopes they’ll continue to carry the momentum of this year forward.
“This school district is a great one,” Grover said. “So many great kids are here just waiting to be a part of something awesome. I know they’ll do wonderful things in the future.”
