On Tuesday, November 6th 2024, students and staff from the Middle School gathered in the auditorium to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our students in a ceremony that emphasized the values at the heart of our community.

The SMEO (Saint Maur Essential Outcomes) and Cause for Applause Awards recognize students who consistently embody our school's core values, demonstrating exceptional character, resilience, and dedication across academics, sports, fine arts, and more. These award ceremonies remind us of the importance of both individual effort and collective support in fostering a school environment that is "Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty," where each student contributes to a positive and thriving community.

The Cause for Applause Award honors one student from each homeroom class who exemplifies our school’s theme of the year alongside the Slogo that each class has created. Each homeroom's "Slogo" – a unique slogan and logo developed by students at the beginning of the year – encourages students to engage with one another respectfully, lead with kindness, and contribute actively to their classroom community. Students are nominated by their peers for Cause for Applause Awards, giving them the chance to uplift one another by celebrating acts of kindness, teamwork, and perseverance they witness every day. By empowering students to recognize and nominate classmates, we encourage a culture of mutual appreciation and accountability, where everyone’s contributions are valued.

The SMEO Award, on the other hand, is given to one student per homeroom who best exemplifies the Saint Maur Essential Outcomes (SMEOs) through their conduct, commitment to learning, and interactions within the school. The SMEOs are built around five core outcomes we aim to foster in our students: becoming Moral Citizens, Unique Individuals, Global Citizens, Balanced Learners, and Lifelong Learners. They represent qualities such as critical thinking, cultural awareness, global responsibility, and effective communication; skills that prepare our students not only for academic success but also for impactful lives beyond school. The SMEOs encourage students to be well-rounded individuals who can balance high academic standards with a commitment to social responsibility and personal growth.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Mr So, our Middle School Coordinator, alongside Student Council members Haru and Yoshiosa. Before presenting the awards, the homeroom teachers shared a brief summary of each student's qualities, highlighting the unique contributions and positive attributes that led to their selection, keeping the students guessing about who had won the award to the last second! The excitement and enthusiasm in the air were contagious, making it a truly memorable event.

A big congratulations to all our award winners. Your hard work, kindness, and dedication to Saint Maur's values have set a shining example for your peers. To all our Middle School students, remember that the pursuit of excellence is a journey that encompasses both academic achievement and positive contributions to our wonderful school community. May we continue to celebrate each other’s successes, support one another, and strive for excellence in all that we do.