Dawson County High School hosted its awards day ceremony last week and students in ninth through 12th grades received recognition in individual subject areas, Tiger Awards, essay contest winners and the Georgia Certificate of Merit.

"We thank you for coming out today to help us recognize the accomplishments of a fine group of students," said Principal Richard Crumley before turning the ceremony over to the school counselors and graduation coach who handed out the awards.

The first awards given were to students who earned the Tiger Award.

"The purpose of a Tiger Award is to recognize students who consistently demonstrate 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," said Counselor Cherie Ferguson. "This award is presented to students each semester. Each teacher at Dawson County High School nominated one student. Each teacher teaches 90+ students, so what an honor for you to be nominated."

"The Tiger Award is a special thing because of all of the kids our teachers teach, they chose that one student because they exhibit characteristics that will allow them to be successful, not only in that classroom, but in life. We are certainly proud of that," Crumley said.

Ferguson gave the list of criteria for the award that included good attendance, arriving to class on time, turning in work on time, asking questions, being an involved learner, being responsible, volunteering knowledge, not putting grades ahead of learning opportunities, helping and respecting others.

Sixty-one students received the awards from the faculty nominations.

Subject awards were given out to students in each subject area and specific classes including those in the areas of health, personal fitness, career tech, science, fine arts, math, language arts, social studies and Spanish.

Students who participated in the Georgia Laws of Life essay contest were also recognized. For the contest, students were asked to choose a quote and then write about that quote. They were asked to describe how it applies to their lives.

Sixty-four schools across the state participated in the event and $22,000 was awarded to students and teachers. DCHS had four award winners, including senior Brandi Jo Hafermalz who was the school-wide winner placed fifth in the state.

The Georgia Certificate of Merit awards are given from the state department of education to recognize scholars who rank in the top five percent of the junior class and are enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum.

There were 13 students from the junior class who were awarded the certificates.

"It's always an exciting time when we get to recognize the accomplishments of our students," Crumley said before thanking parents again for coming.