BILLERICA, MA — Over the past two weeks, the students and staff at Shawsheen Tech celebrated an annual community tradition at two Citizenship Awards Dinners.
Sponsored by the Dean’s Office, the school asks teachers to nominate students in each grade who represent the ideals of citizenship. Students and their families are invited to an awards dinner prepared by the Culinary Arts department and served by faculty and staff.
The awards recognize students for attributes such as leadership, strong attendance, and outstanding contribution to the school community.
Shane Surplus of Billerica, a 2006 Automotive graduate, returned to the school for the ceremony to support his student Ella Young, a junior in the Design and Visual Communication shop. Mr. Surplus is proud of Ella, recognized for what he considers her “strong moral compass and good work ethic.”
Maddie Strob, a junior from Billerica, transferred to Shawsheen during her sophomore year, and after a brief adjustment period, found a way to not just fit in, but stand out. Maddie was recognized by her Health Assisting instructor Patty Micalizzi, and said it was an honor to be acknowledged because, as she put it, “I try to be a leader and a good example for underclassmen.”
All in all, over 120 students were recognized over two ceremonies.
Families gathered for a three-course meal. While the food is always delicious, students particularly enjoyed being waited on by their teachers and administrators. Staff members, their days waiting tables long behind them, volunteer their services as a way of letting the students know that their contributions make a difference in the building. One veteran teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that while she is always worried about spilling a salad in some poor parent’s lap, she serves because she is “proud of these students and wants them to know they are seen.”
(NOTE: The above press release is from the Shawsheen Tech.)
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