Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

As September draws to a close at The Storm King School, nominations for the SKS Core Values Pin Award just keep coming in. Two more pins were given out at last week’s All School Meeting on September 20. Our latest winners are three girls; a freshman, a sophomore and a junior. All three students were witnessed spontaneously displaying good character and performing actions that demonstrate the School’s core values of truth, respect, and responsibility.

 

 

The first student to receive the award was freshman Emily Elizabeth Kent. She was nominated for her actions during the first day of hiking in Black Rock Forest by SKS’ Hiking Club guide Mr. Meehl. According to him, Emily took the initiative to point out trash littering the trails. Mrs. Centeno, who read Meehl’s nomination speech as she presented the award, explained that “as a result of her awareness, an emphasis on respecting nature has spread through our group and now we remove all litter that crosses our path during each hike. Our initial trash collection goal for the season was 100 pieces. We have surpassed that and are at 169 pieces so far. And this student didn’t stop there. On another hike, she stepped it up further removing 40 pieces of trash in a single outing. Thank you to this student who shows respect and responsibility toward nature,” said Mrs. Centeno as she handed Emily her award.

Next up to the podium was Visual and Performing Arts Chair Mr. Carruthers who nominated two students for the award: sophomore Heying Helen Shen and junior Jessica Zheng. “During the first few days of school, new students, especially younger ones, may feel overwhelmed, not know how to talk to new classmates, or how to make new friends. It can be a scary experience if you don’t know how you are going to fit into your new environment,” explained Mr. Carruthers to the audience.

 

 

“Not too long ago, I noticed a new student sitting by themselves, and I asked these two girls if they would go and talk to her. They agreed right away, even though one of them was also new. These two students immediately went over to the new student, talked to her, and made her feel welcome. The returning student said, “I was in the same position when I was first here.” I thought this showed a great sense of responsibility toward a fellow student. Heying Helen Shen and Jessica Zheng are deserving of this award,” he said as he handed the girls their pins.

ABOUT THE CORE VALUE PIN AWARD

The Core Values Pin Award recognizes students who act in ways that go above and beyond their daily roles and responsibilities, exemplifying the aspirations and ethical values of our School—values that are communicated through our Motto, Mission and Core Values. The award is a limited edition lapel pin featuring a historical version of the School’s crest, originally designed by Margaret Clarke—the School’s first female faculty member—in 1934.