Plainville High School students Hailey Andersen and Jacob LeGeyt 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 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.
Andersen, a senior, was nominated by high school faculty member Sheila DiMinno, with supporting comments shared by several faculty and staff members.
“Hailey was a student in my ECE U.S. History class last year, and in that brief time, I quickly came to recognize her as a remarkable young woman—sweet, compassionate, and kind hearted,” explained faculty member, Stephanie Aresco. “Hailey excels not only in her academics and athletics, but also in her ability to balance healthy friendships, lead on sports teams, and extend kindness to everyone she encounters.”
LeGeyt, a sophomore, was nominated by high school faculty members, Scot Wenzel and Sheila DiMinno, with supporting comments shared by several faculty and staff members.
“Jacob is like sunshine in a bottle. He comes into the classroom with a wonderful smile and is ready to learn. He gives 100% effort and is always up for a new challenge. Jacob is much more than just a hard working student. He conducts himself in such a way that he is a leader to others. He is the first to applaud other students - you can look to Jacob and know what you need to do. If you don't know how, he will show you. I am so lucky to know and have Jacob in my class,” noted DiMinno.
Hailey and Jacob were honored on January 15th during a high school faculty meeting.
"This award is for students with great character and for students who truly represent what it means to be a Blue Devil. Hailey Andersen is an advocate for inclusion and true leader in our building. Jacob is a light of positivity in every room he enters. He brings joy wherever he goes. I am ecstatic that they earned this recognition,” said PHS faculty member and Student Rocks Program Coordinator, Mikayla Wells.
“The Student Rocks Award is presented to students twice each school year. It is an award that the faculty takes great pride in, selecting its recipients. Both Hailey Anderson and Jacob LeGeyt exemplify all that the award stands for: being an outstanding member of our school community, treating classmates with kindness, and representing Plainville with pride in all the activities they participate in. Congratulations to Hailey and Jacob for this much deserved recognition!” noted Plainville High School Principal, Jennifer DeLorenzo.
“We are very fortunate as a district to have students with such depth of character and commitment to community,” said Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas.