Forty-one students from Hingham High School were honored last Thursday, December 8th, at the Andrew Warhaftig Catching Kindness Awards. These awards are based on nominations from teachers and staff. Students who were “caught” going out of their way to be kind received a written nomination explaining why they should be honored for their kindness.
During the introduction to the awards, Principal Rick Swanson noted that many students likely didn’t know what they were being recognized for until their nomination was read. Many of these students are kind every day to their peers and teachers, making them perfect candidates for these awards.
The Catching Kindness Awards began five years ago after inspiration struck both Andy Hoey, Social Studies Director, and Erica Pollard, World Language Director. After the first year, the award was renamed the Andrew Warhaftig Catching Kindness Awards in honor of the late Andrew Warhaftig, a member of the HHS Class of 2019, who personified the values of kindness and friendship.
The ceremony took place in front of the award recipients, their families, members of the school committee, and members of school administration.
Read some of the award nominations below:
Freshman Nominated by a social studies teacher:
She is a wonderful student, injecting humor, energy, and kindness into the classroom. She makes me and her classmates smile and laugh every day and makes our class a great place to be.
Sophomore Nominated by an administrative assistant:
This student helped me set up a creative student information bulletin board outside of the guidance office and regularly offers to help me and others in guidance during study period. I’ve noticed this student’s willingness to help ninth graders integrate into high school through after-school activities and extending friendships. This student has really brought positive energy to the guidance department this year.
Junior Nominated by a science teacher:
This student has been such a wonderful contributor to our chemistry class. He always participates and is so enthusiastic about learning chemistry. This student works really well with a variety of peers and brings positive energy to class every day!
Senior Nominated by an English teacher:
I continue to be impressed by this student’s constant show of kindness. From the grand action of starting the Red Army and encouraging the whole student body to take pride in our school, to the smaller action of always saying hello and holding the door for others, this student is one of Hingham’s best.