On Nov. 13, five students from each grade were recognized for exhibiting the QSI Graduate Traits: creativity, collaboration, communication, problem solving and inquiry. The prize for all winners was a QSI pin and a stuffed owl, the school mascot, decked out in QSI merch. It was the first time that student achievement related to the graduate traits was acknowledged and the winners were surprised and happy.
“I didn’t expect this, it feels good to be recognized,” said junior Gerson Bernal, who won for inquiry.
The sophomore winner for problem solving, Charlotte Reyes, agreed.
“I feel very grateful,” said Reyes. “I was surprised when my name was announced.”
Andrew Peirs, who won the communication category for freshman, was also surprised by the announcement and reflected on why he received it.
“I think what led to me being chosen was being liked by the teachers and students,” said Piers.
The junior winner of the collaboration award Essence Edwards, expressed confidence is her skills.
“I think what led to my recognition was how well I work with others, how well I work in groups,” said Edwards.
The winners were selected by panels of teachers for each grade.
“Teachers are given an opportunity to work together with their grade teams,” said Humanities teacher Eleni Stellatos, who added that this was just the first round of celebrating students who are exhibiting the graduate traits. “We look at Jumprope (grade book) data and the narratives teachers have [written] based on how the students work in the classroom,” she said.
The recognition and achievement awards are meant to incentivize students and make them more aware of what traits they should have by the time they graduate. Student opinion about whether it makes them more eager to work harder towards these goals, varies.
Sophomore Nicole Seniar didn’t know that there were going to be awards for the graduate traits and said “next time I can try to do more to stand out, like stuff that would really count towards the rewards.”
However, sophomore Amaya Hernandez didn’t think it would motivate her.
“Well, one of my friends got it so I was really happy for them, but I don’t know, it’s just a reward so it wasn’t really much to me,” said Hernandez.
