Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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At Leestown Middle School, perhaps the biggest honor for students is to be nominated for the People’s Choice Awards. It also might be the most exciting program for their teachers and staff.

“We get to honor them for just being the wonderful kids they are and the inspiration they are in our school,” said Principal Jennifer Kendall. “There’s a lot of anticipation leading up to it. It’s really the highlight of our year.”

Decked out in their finest, the 2011 nominees hopped a limo from Leestown to nearby First Baptist Church Bracktown, host of the May 14 celebration. There, local paparazzi (a.k.a. guidance counselor Shainey McFarlin) greeted them on the red carpet with questions about their awards-night wardrobe, their hairstyles or their reaction to being chosen.

After a slide show, staff members read heartfelt tributes to their nominees as proud parents and nervous kids listened closely, waiting for their name to be called. The students walked away with a golden statuette, a goodie bag and a lasting boost to their self-esteem.

“In sixth grade, it’s a huge deal. I felt like I’d accomplished something,” said eighth-grader Cassidy Webb, a three-time nominee.

She struggled to describe how the People’s Choice Awards brings everyone together at Leestown, saying simply, “It’s more than words …”

Guidance counselor Antonio Melton launched the program three years ago after hearing about it from a colleague who now works in Richmond. Falling under the “renaissance school” umbrella, “It’s a philosophy of recognizing and rewarding students so that we can reinforce the behaviors we want,” he explained.

For instance, the selection criteria include not only academic achievement but also good citizenship and a commendable attitude. 

“There’s a huge gamut of students being recognized – all are worthy nominees,” Melton said. “Some have turned over a new leaf and are recognized for their progress and the changes they’ve made. You also have straight-A students and others who have great connections and bonds with the staff.”

Jeff Huff, whose sixth-grade daughter was among this year’s 75+ honorees, was pleased that the awards program encompasses the entire student body.

“It puts emphasis on other things besides athletics and book smarts. Other kids excel in other areas, and it’s good they recognize it,” he said.

Orchestra teacher Nathan Wilson, who nominated Cassidy, agreed the People’s Choice Awards is an effective vehicle for nurturing students across the board.

“They may be a superstar in character or have shown great improvement,” he noted. “How else can we reward great character? We can’t put a grade on it in the classroom. Where else can you get this type of recognition for being who you are?”