On Thursday, May 13, select students received Teachers’ Choice Awards at the annual Teachers’ Choice Award Banquet. Teachers chose the recipients based on no set criteria, giving the award to whomever they believed deserved it.

“I wanted an opportunity for teachers to pick a student who struck a chord with them, for whatever reason,” Principal David Wright said.

Coach Tim Kilgore chose to grant his award to sophomore Logan Milko, who received a TCA from Coach Jennifer Chandler as a freshman. Coach Kilgore has seen a positive attitude change in Milko and wants to praise him to keep him heading in the right direction.

“I have seen a lot of growth and maturity in Logan. I chose him to both encourage him and show I believe in him,” Kilgore said. “His outlook on life, as well as his behavior, have changed for the better. He has a great heart, and I recognize a lot of potential in him.”

Milko believes his dedicated participation and his aptitude at dodge ball earned him the award.

“I wasn’t surprised because I am awesome at dodge ball, but I felt honored to get the award,” Milko said.

Sophomore Ashley Black, another second-time recipient, received her TCA this year from IPC teacher Anthony Wilde.

“I was chosen because I am hard working and do all my work in his class,” Black said. “Since he chose me I feel I have to do more in his class to prove I deserve the teacher’s award.”

The banquet, which began at 7 p.m., consisted of catered food from Spring Creek Barbeque, speeches from Coach Chris Melson, Mr. Wright and senior Aaron St. John and readings from English teacher Lisbeth Bennett and history teacher Rena Long.

“It was definitely a surprise because I didn’t find out I was speaking till 30 minutes prior,” Mrs. Bennett said. “I was a nervous wreck, but it was an awesome experience and I would do it again.”