How does one stand out among hundreds and redefine what it means to excel inside school walls? For this year’s graduating seniors, the answer lies in countless sleepless nights, cramped study sessions, and a passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom doors, all in pursuit of receiving academic honors. The high school’s awards consist of the math and science, history, social studies, and career readiness. These esteemed honors are highly sought after, as they are a powerful recognition of four long years of hard work and outstanding achievement. Colleges also look for them as they go through applications; a single sign of outstanding achievement can set someone apart from thousands. As the year draws to a close, seniors work even harder to obtain their goals.
One may ask how on earth one receives these prestigious awards and what the process for selecting candidates looks like. High school upperclassmen counselor, Tom Kettmann, is part of the deciding committee on who receives these awards. As forms for honors go out during the third quarter to many seniors’ emails, Kettmann is at his busiest time of the year. According to Kettmann, “Around seventy seniors apply and receive the career medallion (a medal gained by doing yearly Xello lessons and attending job shadows, among other things), but only about five or six earn the math and science award and the social studies award.” Only those who put in the effort receive the profit. He also said, “The school board, along with the respective teachers and I, work to make sure seniors who meet all of the requirements for the awards receive them.” This process ensures fair and equal treatment for all students. All juniors receive this information during Own Your Future Night hosted by the high school; it is a requirement that all students must attend before graduation.
One exceptional senior in particular, Gloriah Rinkenberger, has put in a steadfast effort to meet the requirements of the math and science award. She has taken many electives, including physics, chemistry, AP Biology, and pre-calculus. On top of those classes, Rinkenberger has completed AP Lit and several other difficult social studies classes. She said that the reason she has taken on such a heavy class load is that “In the future, I would like to do something in the medical field.” Receiving this award would help her in obtaining all sorts of scholarships and grants for her chosen college, as well as set her apart for future jobs. The effort Rinkenberger has put into her schoolwork has also built a foundation of perseverance for any college classes that she is hoping to take in the future. She originally found out about these academic awards in her high school math class during junior year, which was taught by Mrs. Hansen. Rinkenberger said, “I think that the awards were communicated at the right time for me.” Although she had just moved from Malaysia right before that year, she did not let that stop her; she set her eyes on the prize, put her head down, and pushed through.
As the class of 2026’s academic year draws to a close, many look back at their long four years of hard work and feel that it was all worth it. As Bruce Lee says, “Preparation for tomorrow is hard work today.” This year’s academic award recipients represent the highest standard of dedication and commitment to their education, incorporating the sought-after growth mindset that will serve them well in the future. Seniors came, calculated, and conquered during the final months of their high school career. Do not give up, keep pursuing dreams, and persevere through long days; it will all be worth it in the end.
