0 Honor

Posted by Atsumori. Category: EverySchool

At graduation time, the word honor appears often.  There are students on the honor roll, and students belong to honor societies.  Honor is bestowed upon many for scholastic achievement, character recognition, dedication, and special efforts and events.

What does the word honor mean?

What place does honor hold in schools today, and what place should honor hold going forward?

Honor ceremonies and events are times to celebrate the accomplishments a community values.  Those ceremonies serve to both celebrate and recognize a community's best work, effort, and achievement.  These ceremonies also serve to inspire others to reach for honorable work and service. 

Last night at Wayland High School's awards night, I was filled with pride as student after student walked to the podium to receive an honor.  I was inspired by the few who received multiple scholastic honors--the academic stars of the class.  I was equally inspired by the many who received a single, significant honor representing notable achievement in one area of school life.  The school chose to recognize many, and hopefully for those who did not receive a specific honor, the ceremony served to inspire their future pursuit with regard to honorable work and achievement. 

In the back of the auditorium there were a number of dedicated educators and community members who have stood by the school community for many, many years.  These supporters represented scholarship donors and leaders that fund and manage the many scholarships given out.  Their steadfast commitment ensures that this night of recognition occurs with strength and commitment to the students.  In a sense, these dedicated volunteers keep a sense of honor alive for students and the community.

A rousing standing ovation for a retiring teacher who had committed 45 years of his life to the school system was a highlight of the night.  That teacher, Mr. Joe Porrell, took the opportunity to further inspire students with a few words and the Norman Vincent Peale quote, "Change your thoughts and you change the world."

Inspiring learning communities such as Wayland High School's parent, student, educator community  will continue to foster honor through encouragement, ceremony, and celebration.  Explicit discussions and direction with regard to what the community expects and honors will serve to inspire benefactors, recipients, and community members for years to come.  

In what ways do you honor the students you teach, colleagues you work with, and family members you serve?  How does honor celebrate today's achievements and expectations?  What are the classic, timeless areas of honor that serve as the foundation of schools and achievement?  Honor plays an important role in organizations, a role that develops our learning communities with strength.  This is an aspect of school life that we shouldn't lose sight of as schools transform and change. 

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