WOODBURY — Chiefs With Character truly shows the outstanding students in Nonnewaug High School that might not get the recognition that they deserve normally.

When math teacher Jamie Lisevick pulled me outside of my class and told me that I was awarded this honor in December, I was so surprised.

The Chiefs With Character program aims to reward and recognize students who go above and beyond in and out of the classroom.

While Mrs. Lisevick was reading the comments that my teachers wrote about me, I was so astonished that they had so many nice things to say about me, let alone three different teachers instead of just one.

Each of these teachers taught me something about myself that I didn’t think was true.

Another math teacher, Nicole Cowles, taught me that you should never be afraid to ask for extra help when struggling. Many times throughout my high school career so far, Mrs. Cowles stayed after school or gave up her planning period to help me.

The words that Mrs. Cowles wrote showed me that hard work always helps a person to move forward in life.

Mrs. Lisevick is a good role model for me. I learned from her that although a letter grade is important, education goes beyond that. She showed me the value of having good friends and being a good friend and to always help another whether asked to or not.

Digital arts teacher Genna Riggi showed me that I had a good sense of pride in myself. When I completed a task that was challenging, I felt proud of my work and that I had less of a relief that the task was over and more of a sense of accomplishment.

Ray Robillard is one of Nonnewaug’s many math teachers; he is also the creator of Chiefs With Character. Robillard believes that the program recognizes traits in students that people should value.

“We don’t remember number grades when you go beyond these walls; you’re going to live another 60-80 years beyond high school,” Robillard said. “No one’s going to remember your grades, but they’re going to remember if you’re honest and responsible. They have the respect of the faculty and student body. They are the kind of person that people will go to if they need a hand or they want to trust somebody with some information.”

I never thought that being pulled out of class would be a good thing, but when Mrs. Lisevick did, I was surprised. When she was reading to me what Mrs. Cowles, Mrs. Riggi, and herself wrote, I started to see and recognize those things in myself.

This goes to show that sometimes things just need to be pointed out — Chiefs With Character does exactly this.

This is the opinion of Olivia Thompson, a junior reporter for the Chief Advocate.