The goal at Pike County High School is to produce quality citizens.

Dr. Mike Hall, principal, believes his school is doing that.

“At Pike County High School, it’s all about the progress of the students,” Hall said. “We want to celebrate the students who demonstrate the skills of good citizenship, and we’ve found a way to do that through our Scholar of the Month program.”

The program was initiated last year in an effort to recognize and showcase students who otherwise might not be put in the spotlight.

Each month, one student from each grade level, seven through 12, and from each of the major subject areas is nominated by the core teachers. The students nominated must be punctual, have a good attendance record and must have no disciplinary problems.

“Students may be nominated for leadership qualities, good citizenship, being teachable, improvement in grades and attitude and effort,” said Gentry Hassett, PCHS media specialist and program sponsor. “Students nominated are not required to have the highest grades in the course. However, this program does not exclude students with the top grades.”

Hall said the Scholar of the Month program recognizes students who exhibit good work habits, good behavior and positive attitudes.

“These students may not be all A and B students but they are working to their potential and showing progress and displaying a positive attitude,” he said. “Attitude, effort and dependability are important in all that we do. Students who display these qualities can and do make good employees and good citizens and we want to recognize them for the contributions that they make.”

The students are recognized on the Scholars of the Month bulletin board and on the schools’ website and in The Messenger.

“As an appropriate reward, all of the students who have been honored will be treated to a field trip and we are also considering a recognition banquet,” Hall said. “Also at the end of the year, one student from each grade will be voted by the faculty as Scholar of the Year.”

The Scholar of the Month for October are: Mahalia Smith, algebra I; Ryann Rolison, algebra I; Jared Howell, geometry; LaDarrah Thomas, algebraic connect; Nautica Jacobs, English; Arlen Sneed, reading; Katine Powell, Dontrel Reynolds and Elizabeth Garrett, English; Nautica Jacobs, history; Martin Larkin, U.S. history II Academy; John Doster, U.S. history I; Liane Knotts, U.S. history II; Cortevis Blakely, modern world history; Tony Scott, art; Marcus Hanna Latin I; Tyra Griffin, Spanish exploratory; Stephaine Oswald, Spanish; David Foster, band; Audrionia Caffie, music appreciation; Tevin Campbell, music appreciation; Thomas Reed, science; Tierra Hall, honors biology; Azriel Larkin, biology; Nakia Hancock, chemistry; Randi Johnson, honors chemistry; Kelsey Ginyard, physical science; Candice Harvey, anatomy and physiology; James Norris, agriculture; Ashaunte Starks, business; Anna Arcemont, business; LaKenya Wilson, business; David Nguyen, accounting I; and Brendalyn Harper, girls’ physical education.