For their hard work, the students of the month for December get rewarded with a party during iPass. There, they receive goodies, snacks and a t-shirt, according to receptionist Ashley Quinlan.

Every month, different departments nominate a student as student of the month. The departments look for specific qualities in students.

According to Quinlan, teachers look for students who go above and beyond to help their peers that are struggling. They also look for students who are polite and who finish their work on time with a positive attitude.

One of the many students who met the traits wanted by teachers for this month is junior Megan Gray. She was nervous when she got the pass to go down to students service but couldn’t think of anything she could’ve done wrong.

When Gray got there, she was welcomed with “congratulations for being student of the month.” She was surprised because she thought none of her teachers liked her. There, Gray found out her music teacher, Clare Hulfachor, had nominated her.

According to Gray, Hulfachor wrote a long paragraph telling how she helps other students play the piano while answering their questions.

“I thought that was really sweet of her,” Gray said. “She’s definitely my favorite teacher in this school.”

Junior Par Tin Din, who was previously nominated in August, got recommended again during the month of December. Dim was chosen from the social studies department. She never thought or dreamed of getting it again since she already received it before.

“I was surprised and proud of myself at the same time,” Dim said. “I’m grateful that Mr. Geller and Mr. Fishel nominated me, and it also encourages me to give more effort in other classes too.”

Quinlan believes that anybody can strive to be student of the month.

“We’re not looking for perfect students,” Quinlan said.