Every month at North Harford, someone is named the “Student of the Month,” courtesy of the superintendent. In December and January, junior Xavier Dunaway and senior Lilliana McGraw were added to the list of recognizable, hardworking students.
The Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) superintendent, Dr. Sean Bulson, along with other principals in the area, has committed to recognizing outstanding students at each school. This award started in October 2022 and continues to honor students who demonstrate “positive character traits, acts of kindness, service to others, or other reasons that make them stand out as role models.”
All throughout the county, principals have the chance to select an individual at their school who deserves recognition for all they have done. NH principal Mr. Brian Pawlicki explains the method he uses to pinpoint who to honor. “I send out a Forms document to teachers for nominations,” he says. “Then, I read through them and look for a student that fits what the Superintendent is looking for. We search for unique contributions.”
Dunaway was nominated by tech teacher Mr. Jacob Birchfield, and McGraw was nominated by drama teacher Mrs. Nancy Green. They were both described as hardworking students.
Dunaway was very surprised when he was presented with the certificate. “I didn’t even know [the Standout Student award] was a thing!” McGraw had a bit of prior knowledge about the award but was equally shocked when receiving it. “I had seen pictures of previous honorees getting recognized on Instagram, but never really thought it would be something that was in the cards for me.”
“Getting nominated for this award means to me that my teachers think highly of me, which is very much appreciated,” explains McGraw. “It’s nice to know that my hard work has paid off.” Dunaway agrees with her. “Receiving this proves that the hard work shows, and the teachers do acknowledge it.”
The Standout Student Award highlights the dedication, character, and contributions of students at the school. According to Dunaway, the best way to achieve this nomination is to “always try your hardest and pay attention in class.” Both nominees worked hard to get here and have provided valuable insight into what it means to be unique and serve as role models for their peers.
