Cherokee High School held their 27th annual People’s Choice Awards Ceremony last month to honor students who have showcased outstanding character, acts of kindness, and positive contributions to the school environment.
The ceremony serves as a major milestone, allowing staff to highlight students who exemplify leadership, empathy, and active participation in class or clubs. The People’s Choice Awards at Cherokee have been an ongoing annual tradition for approximately 27 years. Each year teachers and staff recognize students who have showcased outstanding characteristics and those who have worked hard to make their school environment a better place.
This tradition was brought over to Cherokee when a teacher and a staff member visited another school in the district and found out about a program called Renaissance. This student run program sends out an email towards the end of each school year asking teachers, coaches and staff to give the name of a student they want to nominate. When students are selected for this award by one teacher or staff member of Cherokee, it is up to that specific staff member as to specify why that student deserves that award. This could mean the student helped another student, they were actively involved in a class or club, or they simply exemplified good leadership skills. The name of the teacher who selected that student remains anonymous until the night of the ceremony.
Over 70 students were recognized at this year’s ceremony for their outstanding character. The event began with a performance of the national anthem by Cherokee’s Concert Choir. Anthony DiPuma, Cherokee’s business teacher and advisor to the Renaissance Club, provided opening remarks for the ceremony.
“Out of more than 2,000 students in our school, only 70 were selected, that makes this honor truly special,” he said. “Whether it was your work ethic, your leadership, or your character, or simply the way you make others feel supported and seen, you’ve made a lasting impression, and tonight is about recognizing that.”
DiPuma also commended parents for instilling good values in the students.
“The qualities of tonight’s recipients are not taught overnight,” he explained. “They are reflections of the people in their lives that have helped shape them. Your role in guiding these young adults is invaluable.”
“And to our honorees,” DiPuma added. “Congratulations, you’ve truly made a difference.”
Each teacher or coach called up their selected student one by one; revealing the reason they selected the student for the award in their announcement speech. That teacher then presented the student’s an honorary medals.
To learn more about Cherokee High School’s People’s Choice Awards, visit www.cherokee.lrhsd.org/activities/renaissance
