Hannah Cole, Scholar-Leader, 2007
Text and photos by Tracy Larkin Cole

Hannah chosen Scholar Leader of the Year for Knotty Oak Middle School; Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and Female Athlete of the Year

I had told Aunt Maureen that she was chosen for her team (her grade has 5 teams with 100 students on each) but I was wrong. They chose 1 male and 1 female student to represent the school. A dinner was held to honor all of the scholars from 32 middle schools in RI last week. Two of Hannah's teachers joined us as well as her principal. The 1st picture is of her with her teachers. Notice the face on the "future Scholar Leader" standing in front of me in the 2nd picture. Tracy, Sun, 27 May 2007

Hannah had an exciting night last night that I wanted to share. It was the National Junior Honor Society's award night. In addition to being recognized for her Scholar Leader Award she also earned the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and Female Athlete of the Year. It was a great night. Love, Tracy, Fri, 8 Jun 2007

I did a little poking around, and I am impressed with what I found. The Scholar Leader Award is at heart given for character and school citizenship. Organized by the New England League of Middle Schools, "This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school...who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership." You must have had quite a dinner. "Over 300 students, educators, and parents attended this Banquet to celebrate the achievements of the middle level students who are representative of the many fine young adolescents in all middle level schools in the State of Rhode Island. 64 eighth grade students from 32 schools were honored," according to the NELMS press release. I thought it was particularly telling that Hannah's principal, Michael Convery, who is also president of the Rhode Island division of NELMS, was the lead key note speaker at the awards dinner. It is nice to receive recognition and even nicer to be recognized by really prominent people.

The selection process tells us a great deal about Hannah, and a great deal about Hannah's parents who, after all, set the example. .

• Excellent attitude towards learning • Provides service to classmates and school • Is a positive role model for peers • Takes responsibility for own behavior and learning These additional indicators may be of assistance: .. Exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals .. Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school .. Shows leadership in group situations .. Shows respect for self and others .. Exemplifies positive attitudes and inspires positive behavior in others .. Demonstrates academic initiative and is willing to uphold scholarship .. Demonstrates leadership in the classroom and school activities .. Is dependable in any responsibility undertaken .. Volunteers and is gladly available and willing to sacrifice to offer assistance to others .. Accepts criticism willingly and recommendations graciously .. Exemplifies desirable qualities of character and integrity.

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