There are few feelings more exhilarating for a well-achieved student than being recognized for their accomplishments. Whether it’s being handed their diploma in ribboned robes or receiving a Most Valuable Player award in the small gym, awards ceremonies are exciting events that offer awardees a feeling of contentment.
One of the most anticipated ceremonies for student-athletes is signing day, where their hard work and commitment to their team are formally recognized in front of their peers, family, and coaches. But what about non-athletes who have also achieved great things? Junior Jackson Barrett has an answer for them.
In a ceremony at Mocksville Town Hall on February 3rd, the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) awarded Barrett $1,000 for his creative idea of organizing a signing day for SkillsUSA students at Davie High.
The DRI is an organization that aims to increase respect among the youth in Davie County through creative student-led projects. Three projects are selected every quarter of the year, with the authors of each project being awarded $1,000 in a big check ceremony with the mayor of their township. Barrett was among the final cohort of awardees from 2024.
According to Barrett, many SkillsUSA groups at other schools have held signing days. He believes that these events serve as an important reminder to students that their work is greatly appreciated.
“I wanted to bring it to our group to celebrate our graduating members this year and years to come,” Barrett said.
In his interview with the DRI’s Selection Panel, Barrett and the panelists observed that while students in academic or extracurricular fields were often celebrated for their accomplishments, trade workers rarely received the same recognition.
“[Trade workers] do very important work and do not get the recognition and respect they deserve,” Barrett said.
Exemplifying the civic devotion and engagement fitting of an Ambassador of Respect, Barrett wanted to change this. In his application, Barrett highlighted the importance of respecting trade workers just as much as other students.
“This signing day will allow those who are going into trades after high school to be recognized for the amount of time that they have put into their schooling to master their skill,” Barrett said.
At his award ceremony on February 3rd, Barrett gave a short recap of his project to Mayor Will Marklin III of Mocksville and other members of the community at his award ceremony. He was presented with a check for $1,000, a DRI T-shirt, and a handmade wooden plaque. The signing day is scheduled for May 14.
Barrett’s project is among the most recent in a long line of respect projects with a wide-reaching impact. Awarded students are invited to serve as Ambassadors of Respect and are encouraged to participate in DRI events like volunteering and parties. Ambassadors of Respect represented Davie County in its 2023 delegation to the All-America City Awards and have spoken before the County Commissioners and in the town halls of Cooleemee, Mocksville, and Bermuda Run, underlining the civic engagement the Davie Respect Initiative offers.
DRI applications are open year-round, with quarterly deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. All individuals aged 12-21 who live in Davie County are eligible to apply.
