Three NHS students recognized

Alexis Barker
NLJ Reporter
 
Several Dogie Challenge Coins have been awarded to Newcastle High School students, according to Principal Tracy Ragland. The coins are presented to students being recognized for helping others and bringing positivity to people’s lives.
The most recent coins were presented on the first day of the 2018-19 school year to sophomore Skylar Jenkins, sophomore Dylan Drost and freshman Brayden Jenkins. 
“We (Ragland and NHS coaches) were talking about how willing some of our athletes were to help, and those three (Jenkins, Jenkins and Drost) were always there,” Ragland said. “There was not one request made (through the Students 4 Vets program) that those three weren’t there for.” 
Throughout the summer, requests for aid came in through the Students 4 Vets program that helps link veterans in need with high school students who are willing and able to help meet the needs, Ragland said. 
The challenge coin was an idea borrowed from the military to recognize students and community members who are honest and loyal, and who serve and excel in academics. 
“We give these coins to kids when they do things well and go above and beyond,” Ragland said. “We want to show them how proud we are.” 
He added that it was nice to be able to kick off the 2018-19 school year with a coin presentation. Most are done during a private meeting with the nominator and the person receiving the coin, Ragland said. The award was presented for the first time on Jan. 4.
“We have given out several over the year. We have some amazing volunteers,” Ragland said.