Hempfield High School (HHS), 200 Stanley Ave., Landisville, is a big school. With more than 2,000 students roaming the halls, it's easy for many kids to feel lost, either in a figurative sense as they navigate social dynamics or in a more literal sense as they try to find their next classroom. This year, the HHS Student Council introduced a series of initiatives aimed at making the school a positive environment and to celebrate students who exemplify its values.

In November, the Student Council created the Black Knight Award. Every month, members of the Student Council speak with teachers around the school to give them an opportunity to nominate a student for the award. Teachers are encouraged to recommend students who exhibit traits listed in the school's PRIDE guidelines: perseverance, respect, involvement, discipline and excellence. Student Council advisers Zahid Virmani and Kate Hough then review the nominations and select two recipients from each grade. Students who are chosen for the Black Knight Award receive a testimony from the teacher who nominated them, a certificate and a $15 gift card for a local store or restaurant.

"We have a big building. You can get lost in the shuffle," Virmani said. "The Black Knight Award is a way we can encourage students to exemplify our school's values by helping other kids and creating a positive environment."

Student Council president and HHS senior Avery Landis said one of the club's main goals is to foster school pride, something many students feel could be improved due to the school's size. "We're trying to be more of a community," Landis added. "We want to make this big school feel a little smaller by making everyone feel seen. No one should feel like they're lost in the crowd."

In addition to the Black Knight Award, the Student Council helped to organize the first winter formal at HHS on Feb. 9, and nearly 500 students attended the dance. In recent months, Student Council members have also assisted with coordinating a visit from a guest speaker and various initiatives to appreciate school district staff members such as custodians and bus drivers. The new programs and events align with HHS' theme for 2024, "Raising the Bar," which challenges students and teachers to elevate the school climate through acts of kindness and integrity. "Under Avery's leadership, Student Council has really tried to give back to the school and its environment," Virmani said. "They've done a great job serving the HHS community."

To view the full list of Black Knight Award recipients, visit http://tinyurl.com/blackknightaward.