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Since its beginning in the 1950s, the S awards has been a cherished tradition at NS, honoring seniors who demonstrated exceptional dedication to extracurricular activities.
Tyler Bailey, the person over the S awards, talked about the school’s traditions. “Back in the ’50s, the S awards were brought in to recognize seniors who did good not only academically but also in different activities,” Bailey said. “It was a way to recognize kids who contributed to the school community in various ways.”
Over the years, the selection criteria for the S awards evolved, incorporating a points system to quantify students’ involvement.
“These points are earned by participating in activities, with additional points awarded for doing good academically,” Bailey said.
Bailey emphasized the significance of receiving an S award, noting, “It’s a big accomplishment for the students to receive one. It’s not just about doing good in one area; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to various activities.”
Tori Day, Kenna Cook, Journey Toomey, Allie Ivory, and Cloe Jessop were among the latest recipients of the S awards, each showcasing a diverse array of talents and accomplishments.
Reflecting on her journey, Tori Day, a senior with a passion for sports and music, detailed her extensive involvement.
“I did 4 years of swim, track, and percussion, 3 years of soccer, and 2 years of marching band. I went to state for swim, track, solo and ensemble, and band multiple times.”
Kenna Cook, a performer and scholar, shared her perspective on the significance of the S award. “It was really nice to get an S award because throughout high school I’ve only ever received one semester award.” Cook said. “Getting an S award was nice because I get like I was finally getting recognized. To be honest I never really had an S award in mind as an end goal, I just decided to try everything I wanted to and stick with the things I enjoyed.”
Journey Toomey discussed the challenges she faced. “Honestly, I’ve been very, very busy throughout my high school career, I was super involved in student council, and I was the class president throughout my freshman-junior year, and I’m currently serving as the SBO president.” Toomey said. “Being involved in sports and academics is super hard to maintain but the student council you’re also in charge of supporting other people’s activities and holding activities of our own.”
Allie Ivory described her journey to earning the S award. “I was chess club president my sophomore year, and that is what started me trying to get an S award. After that, I became sophomore class secretary, while being in FBLA, and junior year I was junior class secretary and FBLA secretary, and senior year I was business sterling scholar, senior class president, and FBLA president.”
Cloe Jessop, stated “The activities I mainly did were theater, choir, and speech and debate.” Jessop expressed gratitude for the recognition she received “It was really nice to feel recognized for all of the stuff I have done throughout high school. There were always challenges that come along with doing several extracurriculars and trying to keep grades up and keep work and everything from getting too overwhelming all the time.”
As the seniors proudly received their medals, they became part of a storied tradition that spanned generations.
