Dozens of students at Dawson County High School were recognized recently for their enthusiasm to learn and willingness to achieve.

The Tiger Awards are given each semester to students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning, are willing to put out extra effort for the sake of doing a good job and are willing to help others achieve.

"We looked for students that had good attendance, that were on time for class, that turned in their work on time, were responsible, they were an involved learner, they asked questions," said Principal Jute Wilson at the ceremony in December. "They also maximized their learning potential."

Every teacher at the high school nominates one student to receive the Tiger Award. Several students receiving a Tiger Award said they had also received the same award last year.

"These students here are doing something right. To have the nomination of one of your teachers, there's no greater honor than that," Wilson said.

Counselor Cherie Ferguson created the Tiger Awards to celebrate outstanding students in fall 2010.

"Sometimes the hardest working student gets overlooked," she said. "It doesn't mean they have the highest grade, but I wanted to create an award that honored those students."