The second aspect is the end-of-year Cougars Choice Awards which was organized by a team of teachers spearheaded by Sylvia Berchtold and Aubrey Lewis. The awards are not based on academic performance, athletic ability, or attendance; the only criteria is that the student “made an impact.” This opened the nominations to all students on campus.
Principal Troy Fast addressing the crowd at the 1st Annual Cougar’s Choice Awards.
MAKE AN IMPACT CAMPUS CULTURE & SAFETY ARE AT THE HEART OF THE COUGARS RISING PROGRAM
“When a staff member recognizes you among 1400 students, you are doing something special. You’re here because you’re making an impact,” Principal Troy Fast emphasized to his students at Weston Ranch High School’s first annual Cougars Choice Awards Night. This night was the culminating event of this year’s Cougars Rising program celebrating students who have made an impact. Student award winners along with their family members and nominating teachers dressed up to walk the red carpet, pose for photos, and enjoy the celebratory dinner together. The Cougars Rising program debuted in the Fall of 2021 and is designed to affirm and encourage students, promote achievement, increase school spirit and participation, and unify students and staff. Students are recognized for making an impact in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and within the Weston Ranch High School community. Mr. Fast is excited about Cougars Rising’s inaugural
year, “The program is off to a really good start! In less than a year, students have been recognized through the program around 3,500 times. Cougars Rising benefits the entire Weston Ranch campus by boosting student confidence and increasing student engagement and motivation in the classroom and with their teachers.” One aspect of the program is the monthly recognitions. Each month, teachers and staff members can nominate up to four students showing excellence in academics, arts, athletics, attendance, campus contribution, character, school programs, school spirit, perseverance, and more. Students who embody each month’s “Cougar Code” focus word (Community, Organized, United, Grateful, Ambitious, Resilient, and Selfless) are also recognized. In addition, teachers, staff, parents/ caregivers, and community members who make an impact on the Weston Ranch community are also recognized. Winners get a Cougars Rising bracelet, are entered into weekly prize drawings, and can earn a Cougars Rising Patch.
Students did not find out why they were nominated until the ceremony, but senior Solei-Marie Marriott was still excited to be there. “The teachers have kept their nominations a surprise,” she said. “But it feels good to know that I’ve done something that someone appreciated.“ Solei was nominated by English teacher Deborah Chavez, “Solei makes me enjoy coming to work everyday to hear her laugh, watch her grow and see her support other students and staff. She has overcome so much in her life and remains positive through everything.” If all goes according to plan, Solei’s impact on the school won’t end when she graduates. She plans return
Guests walked the red carpet and posed for photos. to WRHS as a math teacher where the “energy and enthusiasm towards school” that she was recognized for will continue to positively effect the culture of Weston Ranch High School.
“I’m here because someone believed in me,” Mr. Fast reflected on his path to becoming a principal during his speech. “Someone believes in you. What are you going to do to make a difference in someone’s life?”
During the Cougar’s Choice Awards, a presention of all of the nominations played.