Throughout one’s high school career, there are many opportunities to receive awards recognizing athletic accomplishment and academic achievement. However, few awards are given based on character alone.
The Glory of Missouri awards are presented to high school seniors who exemplify the virtues engraved in the House Chamber between 1922 and 1924 when the capitol was rebuilt after a fire. The engraving reads, “All of the foregoing human qualities bind into one theme, the Glory of Missouri because no people can attain these virtues unless they are great.”
Sam Vaughn, senior, was recognized for the virtue of fraternity. Vaughn said it aptly describes her personality.
“Anyone who knows me can see that I am super friendly and outgoing,” Vaughn said. “I always greet everyone I see in the hallway.”
Vaughn traveled to Jefferson City with other MHS and Rockwood Summit recipients. The group met with representatives and toured the capital.
“It was really cool because I met with people working in an area I want to pursue in the future,” Vaughn said. “I sort of got a foot in the door, and I actually planned a summer meeting with the representatives to sit in on some meetings with the House.”
Recipients of the award were first nominated by teachers. The most frequently nominated students were voted upon by the faculty and placed with the appropriate award for their character. Members of the Missouri House of Representatives presented the students with their awards.
“It really is an honor,” Senior Principal Carl Hudson, said. “These seniors are really great students.”
Courtnie Henson, senior, received the award for charity. The Glory of Missouri nomination form defined charity as “A habit of good will in the soul, which disposes us to the love, assistance, and relief of mankind, especially of those who stand in the need of it.”
“I was really flattered that teachers would vote for me for such an honor,” Henson said. “I do think that charity was perfect for me.”
Henson participates in a wide variety of volunteer organizations. She tutors middle schoolers through the Rockwood Sage program and volunteers at food banks.
Aaron Malin, senior, was awarded the virtue of justice.
“In debate we study a lot of theories regarding justice,” Malin said. “Through these studies we learn about how justice can be applied to our everyday lives.”
“Everybody who received a Glory of Missouri award was really deserving of the honor,” Vaughn said. “It was a great group of kids and we had a lot of fun in Jefferson City.”