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Howard T. Ennis students honored
By Laura Ford
Staff Reporter
Howard T. Ennis School “Students of the Month” were honored Friday, Sept. 29, for outstanding achievements or improvements in the classroom and in the community.
Students at Indian River School District’s school for students with disabilities were nominated for a variety of reasons, involving communicating effectively, behaving appropriately, following directions, finishing a job, demonstrating independent behaviors and showing good effort with a skill or activity.
High-fives and applause from their peers greeted students as they proudly made their way to the front of the crowd when called.
James Hood, 15, was among the students honored this month. Hood said he felt very proud to have been one of the recipients of this month’s award. He is one of the Ennis students who learns in an “untypical classroom,” helping in production at the Indian River Eagle Co.
The company is run by Howard T. Ennis students with teacher and adult supervision. Screen printing, embroidery and second-hand clothes sales are some of the products the students, including Hood, help to create.
Hood’s teacher Steve Heder said, “James is doing so good. He’s on the ball now. As soon as a garment is pulled, he has another one.”
Productivity in a work environment is a huge accomplishment for many students at Ennis. Job training is a way to get the students to exercise independence, show their abilities and to be more involved with the community.
The community interaction is not only beneficial for the students, but also a way to avoid misconceptions people have about Ennis students, said principal Jacque Wisnauskas. Successes such as Hood’s proves that students can be incorporated into mainstream society when they graduate, he said.
Along with the Indian River Eagle Co., students hold community jobs at businesses such as Mediacom cable company, and aid in delivering shipping materials and district mail. “The point is to get the kids out into the community,” said Wisnauskas, “and show them what they are capable of.”
Because the students are so involved, the “Student of the Month” assembly provides the opportunity to bring students together to celebrate their monthly successes, said Wisnauskas.
On Sept. 29, “Students of the Month” received medals and a certificate, and smiled proudly with their mascot, the Ennis Eagle, for a photo that will be placed on the main school bulletin board throughout the month. The successes of the students honored this month and in the coming months attest to this year’s Howard T. Ennis motto: “Look what we can do!”
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