Student of the Month is an award the school gives one student in each grade every month. Each month is given a character trait like integrity and students who exhibit that trait are chosen to receive the award.

The Student of the Month award is an unnecessary achievement and is not a proper way to reward good behavior in students.

The award seems to serve no purpose. It is a very rushed event. Students are announced between classes and quickly go and get their certificate and an Argyle pennant. It seems like a consolation prize for students, showing they did the bare minimum. All it shows is that certain students are preferred by teachers over others. After announcements, everyone moves on with their lives, forgetting who was chosen those measly two minutes ago.

Although the award can be seen as recognition for good behavior, these are traits that high school students should have learned years ago. The awards are given to students who show respect or integrity, yet these qualities are just what students should already be doing out of politeness. These qualities do not take extra time or effort, they’re just traits everyone should display and awarding these traits is like awarding someone for putting their name on their homework, it should just be expected. 

The Student of the Month award is just a small achievement given to students with no true meaning. The award will continue to be given out, but students should aim for higher goals than a meaningless slip of paper.