On April 9, a group of students and staff gathered before school in the auditorium to celebrate students selected for the Golden Helmet Award. The Golden Helmet Awards are a way for staff members to highlight students who they feel are outstanding members of the Howell community and who exemplify what it means to make a positive impact. Each awardee has a unique reason for their nomination, which includes a written note by the staff member who has nominated them. 

Senior Elicia Garbo received her Golden Helmet Award from social studies teacher Katie Bange, who sponsors Student Council.

“I think she gave me the award because I’ve been a part of Student Council for four years now, I’ve been an officer for three years and then in my senior year I’ve been the president,” Garbo said. “I’ve been very involved within the club to help make sure that things run smoothly, and I’m always reaching out to her to make sure that events are going well.” 

As president of Student Council, Garbo often works with Bange on projects for the club, so it meant a lot to Garbo for her work to be acknowledged.

“It meant a lot because I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this program,” Garbo said. “So it was kind of cool to see the recognition for all the time commitments I’ve made to that and to kind of have a moment with her before I left the program.”

But Golden Helmets aren’t only awarded to seniors. Freshman Alex Chilcutt received his Golden Helmet Award at the beginning of his high school career from ELA teacher Audrey Cowdry.

“[I think she chose to give me this award] because of my energy, my positive attitude, my polite demeanor and my RISE value of respect,” Chilcutt said. 

In light of his recent award, Chilcutt reflects on what it means to be selected out of so many possible students.

“It feels exciting because she chose me in particular out of so many other students,” Chilcutt said. “And she pushes me to do my best and work my hardest.”