What makes a student the ‘student of the month’ at Dover Area High School? Every month, teachers around the school nominate students who they believe best represent PROUD (perseverance, respect, ownership, unity and dedication).

After the nomination process, the teachers vote on eight students, two from each grade. Students may win multiple times, but not in the same year. Freshman Willow Tracey was one of the freshmen chosen for student of the month in April. Tracey said,  “I think I got selected for student of the month because I’m a good kid. I do my work when I’m supposed to,” and “Being selected for student of the month I would say it makes me feel special, in a way like I did something right.”

Tracey shared advice for other students looking for a nomination. “I would say to do your work and you will get rewarded, and never give up on something. It’s never impossible.”

Sophomore Patrick Knaub won in April as well. Knaub said, “It feels pretty good to be student of the month. I was just shocked at first, but it feels really nice.”

Knaub advises students to persevere. “It’s not about your struggles, it’s how you overcome them that turns you into the person you are, and what your teachers see,” he said. “Being true to yourself and doing good deeds and helping people goes a long way, not only in your own personal development, but it shapes you as a character that your teachers and most of your peers see.”