Our school district's board of education student recognition ceremonies at our high schools and middle schools have begun for the 2006-2007 school year. North High, South High, the Village School, North Middle, and South Middle, there is a special night for each school.

Each year these five award presentations are held at board of education meetings. This award recognizes the student's contribution to the quality of life at his or her school.

Begun in the '80s by our then-superintendent of schools, Dr. William Shine, the award honors students who use their time, their talents, and their skills to help out at their own school. The student does not have to be an honor student, nor does he or she have to be an extraordinary athlete nor a gifted writer---just a middle school or high school student who wants to help make his or her school a better place for everyone, someone making a bit of a difference!

That is the premise on which this award was created. Sure, the ''A'' students, and the top athletes, receive lots of awards, plenty of attention. But what about the child who just wants to be involved, just wants to help out whenever and wherever possible! That's what this award is meant for ---to honor any child who is ''there'' for his or her school. This award gives every student an opportunity ''to do good'' and to be honored.

Each year we see a great many students so honored. It is a tribute to our students, and to our schools, that so many youngsters deserve to be singled out for their contributions each year. We are proud of each student who has worked so hard and contributed so much.

- Wendy Karpel Kreitzman