From Mrs. McLeod:
As the BHS chapter of National Honor Society advisor, it is my honor to present Miss Payton Smith as Rotary Student of the Month for December.
For over one hundred years, National Honor Society has been a leader among organizations and societies that encourage recognition for students exemplifying outstanding achievements in the areas of scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Payton exhibits each of these four pillars of our organization every day.
Her incredible scholarship is evident in her advanced course load, and her drive to excel in all aspects of her education. Payton’s service is on display all over Burnet County. Whether she is volunteering at the YMCA as a youth volleyball coach, picking up trash along the highway, or taking care of individuals at nursing homes or food pantries, Payton’s desire to help her community and the people in it is clear.
Payton leads on campus through our organization, but also through HOSA and the Spirit, Pride, Honor organization. She and other seniors work hard to make a positive impact on the Burnet High School campus and community.
What I would like to focus more of your attention on, though, is her character. Character is the most important pillar of the four, the one that truly informs the other three. Payton is trustworthy, determined, joyful, respectful, intrinsically motivated, compassionate, and quick to help. During our annual Battle of the Cans, none of my student volunteers stayed to collect and count cans at the high school. Without hesitation, Payton stepped in, recruited some non-members, and collected the cans from high school classrooms. I truly do not know what I would have done without her quick action.
Payton’s exemplification of Spirit, Pride, and Honor, as well as the four pillars of NHS, made her an easy choice for our Rotary Student of the Month. Thank you, Payton, for your service and your example.