Manti High recognizing students

who demonstrate chivalrous qualities

 

By Kacie Reese

Staff writer

Jan. 18, 2018

 

MANTI—Noticing what’s noteworthy in a good way is not necessarily medieval.

Yet Manti High School is now recognizing what was noteworthy in medieval times while at the same time using modern technology.

In other words, the Noteworthy Knights program at the school has had a rebirth in recent years.

For several years, the high school discontinued honoring Noteworthy Knights, which had been a longstanding tradition.

The Noteworthy Knights program stopped because it was difficult to maintain and keep track of everything by hand.

Enter Manti High’s current principal, George Henrie, who decided to bring the program back into full bloom a few years ago using computer technology. Now nominations can be sent in digitally.

Henrie did his homework on knights and knighthood in the medieval ages, and he learned about chivalry and the knights’ code of conduct. He also learned about seven knightly values: courage, justice, mercy, generosity, faith, nobility and hope.

Now faculty members at the school keep an eye out for these knightly values in students and nominate students each quarter as Noteworthy Knights. Two Noteworthy Knights are honored each quarter.

The Noteworthy Knights program recognizes what to many is invisible—the goodness flowing out of, and the sterling character traits radiating from, students.

The school already recognizes students in other ways, such as for grades with the Honor Roll.

In contrast, Noteworthy Knights are recognized for such things as seeing someone helping a special needs student in the hall, being inclusive in the lunchroom or simply being happy and having a positive outlook.

Henrie said, “If a student really struggles with grades, but in the second quarter they try really hard and their grades rise significantly,” then that student can be nominated as a Noteworthy Knight.

This program focuses on helping students develop strong character and reinforces good qualities.

He adds, “A lot of kids go through school and don’t ever get a note about being positive. We are good at calling when there’s a problem, but not so good at calling when they’re good. I think it makes a big difference when people are reinforced positively for their behavior.”

Once the nominations are in, Kelsey Busham, the head of the Noteworthy Knights program, puts together a certificate, a letter and a copy of the seven knightly values and mails them to the knight’s parents. The student can use the award for scholarships.

No special ceremony is held for Noteworthy Knights, and the school doesn’t bring the students in front of the school to honor them.

Henrie said the program goes on behind the scenes at the school: “One of the characteristics that these knights have is that they are just quietly going about their business doing things like they should be doing, even when nobody’s watching.”

Although Noteworthy Knights may sound medieval, Henrie and his Templars at Manti High School know that recognizing what’s positive and noteworthy in others is as contemporary and necessary as breathing fresh air.