The “Be Golden” award is a new faculty and staff recognition program at the high school.

This award is given weekly by a faculty/staff member to another faculty/staff member. Whoever receives the trophy on Friday is responsible for awarding it to someone else the following week. The only criteria are to give it to someone who has done something to make the school a better place.

“With the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative in our school, we want to not only recognize students for being golden but staff members as well,” said Shannon Davis, the award program coordinator. “This is a way to personally thank people we work with every day, but don’t always have the chance to show them how much they are appreciated.”

Last week the award went to Mr. Tommy Coleman

He chose to give the award to Mr. Marcus Owens

Mr. Coleman’s Quote:

“This week’s Golden Eagle recipient carries optimism throughout the high school at all times to his co-workers and students.  He goes above and beyond his duties and responsibilities as an educator.  He never complains when he gives up his planning to cover a class at the middle or high school.  He is a real team player who puts the students first as he instills the knowledge and work effort into them that is needed to succeed in life…..  He leads by example… He makes you laugh…  Always smiling, I give you Marcus Owens!”

The Eagle Eye interviewed Mr. Owens about being this week’s award winner:

Eagle Eye: What encouraged you to become a teacher?

Marcus Owens: “I’ve had many influential teachers growing up and that helped me decide on my career choice. Iv’e always loved interacting with people and teaching is all about making impactful connections with others.”

EE: What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?

MO: “I love the competitiveness of students. As I get older, the students bring a youthful aspect to my life. I enjoy challenging them as much as they challenge me! I also appreciate my coworkers! They make me a better teacher and I cherish each day working and learning from them.”

EE: Is this your dream job? If not, what is?

MO: “At this point in my life, I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Working for my home school district gives me a sense of pride and I believe that out of all the paths in my life, I was destined to take the one I am on. If I had taken a different road in my career, I probably would have became a state police officer.”