Plainville High School students Peyton Stehle and Nicole Kolc have been named recipients of the first semester “Student Rocks Award” recognizing their outstanding contributions to Plainville High School.
The Student Rocks Award was established by three teachers in 2010 as a way to honor those students who “do the right thing” every day without looking for acknowledgement. Once a semester, teachers nominate and then vote for two students they believe are worthy of this award. The students are honored, along with their family members and guests, at a staff meeting where they are awarded a book and presented with the Student Rocks plaque where their names are engraved. This plaque is displayed in the school’s awards showcase. It reads: “awarded to students who assume responsibility for their positive contributions to the school and community.” Faculty and staff comments submitted for the winning nominations are also shared during the awards presentation.
Stehle, a senior, was nominated by Plainville High School faculty members Kerry Patterson, Kevin Levesque, Helena Pietri, John Czerwinski and Emily Wasley.
“Peyton perfectly walks the tightrope between being impassioned and serious about the things she believes in, while also being witty and easygoing enough to bring light and laughs to any situation. She is always her best self: whimsical yet poised, supportive and generous, light hearted yet strong to her convictions. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, but careful to be direct and not heated. She makes people laugh, she makes those around her comfortable to be themselves, and she is inspirational. Through humor, through standing up for someone, through spreading her positivity and joy, Peyton makes Plainville High School a better place,” noted John Czerwinski in his nomination.
Kolc, a senior, was nominated by PHS faculty members Mark Fritz, Sandi Dowcett, Stephanie Aresco and Kelly Hickey.
“Nicole is hardworking, passionate, dedicated to all involvements, kind to EVERY person she interacts with, and always willing to go the extra mile regardless of the task. She truly values her family, culture and the importance of education. I personally look forward to Nicole's frequent visits to my office, as her positivity is contagious. She has been a leader throughout the walls of Plainville High School and I know will continue to do so in her future endeavors,” noted Kelly Hickey in her nomination.
Peyton and Nicole were honored on February 2nd during a high school faculty meeting.
“I feel privileged to help carry on the legacy of the Student Rocks program that was established 12 years ago. I continue to be impressed by our faculty’s dedication to recognizing students who exemplify the characteristics of what we value as being a “Blue Devil”. Peyton and Nicole are extraordinary students who both bring a positive energy to our school community every day,” said PHS faculty member and Student Rocks Program Co-Coordinator Eileen Hebert.
"I was so excited to finally present this award to Nicole and Peyton, as they have been repeatedly nominated throughout their years at PHS. They are the definition of this award, and truly spectacular representatives of our Plainville High School community,” noted PHS faculty member and Student Rocks Program Co-Coordinator Mikayla Wells.
“The Student Rocks Award is one of the most prestigious and in my opinion, best awards a student can earn at PHS. It recognizes the impact these students have had on our school culture. To be selected by our teachers in recognition that you represent the very best of our students is quite the honor. Both of the students honored this semester embody what we hope for from all of our Blue Devils at PHS,” said Plainville High School Principal, Carl Johnson.
“The ability to leave a lasting impression on others, through acts of kindness, positive character and personal responsibility, is no small achievement. In life, actions speak louder than words, and respect is earned through actions which foster positivity and general good will. We are grateful to have students like Peyton and Nicole who exemplify these positive traits at Plainville High School,” said Superintendent of Schools, Steven LePage.