Junior Mia Ficarella, left, and Sophomore Cole Harding, right, were named Physical Education Students of the Month for December.

A new program at Attica High School recognizes student excellence in physical education classes. The Physical Education Student of the Month program is the brainchild of Mrs Lisa Young and Mr. Jeffrey Cusmano, both physical education teachers at Attica High School.

“We started the program in September to recognize those students who do well in class and to encourage better participation,” explained Young. “Students who are selected as a student of the month get a certificate and a $5 gift card to John and Mary's in town.”

Each month, Young and Cusmano choose two students - one male and one female - who best exhibit the following characteristics: 

  • Positive behavior during all physical education classes

  • A desire to learn and develop new motor skills

  • A willingness to demonstrate a particular skill and help other students in their class

  • Character traits that are covered by Attica’s character education program

  • Their best effort all of the time

  • Sportsmanship and discourage any form of bullying 

Among the traits covered by Attica’s character education program are compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, optimism and responsibility. 

“We talk to the students in September about what it takes to be a good ‘citizen,’” said Young. “We go over these bulleted points as to what it takes to be a good leader and explain to them those who are caught doing these great things and possessing these qualities will earn physical education student of the month.” 

Students of the month for December are Cole Harding, a sophomore, and Mia Ficarella, a junior.