DeKalb County High School has announced its awards for top students, teacher, and parents for the month of November. The awards include three students who were recognized for helping a fellow student in need.

Senior students Jackson Mathis, Luke Midgett and Ian Barnes were named Co-Students of the Month for throwing a fellow freshman student a birthday party. The Student of the Month award is voted on by the teachers at DCHS. Each were presented a certificate from the school and a gift card for a meal from F. Z. Webb & Sons Soda Fountain.

“We found out that it was his birthday, and Ian got him a cat, I got him a cake, and Luke got him a card,” said Mathis. “We just really like him, and we felt that he looked like he needed some help and friends.”

Mathis is the son of Chad and Amanda Mathis, while Midgett’s parents are Casey and LeVaughnda Midgett. Barnes is the son of Adam and Ashley Barnes. All three are members of FBLA and the high school tennis team.

Mathis and Barnes said they both plan to attend Tennessee Tech, with Mathis is planning to study nursing. Midgett will be attending Faulkner Christian University in Alabama to become a youth minister.

The Teacher of the Month is Todd Cantrell.

“He’s always willing to help us out,” said Assistant Principal Seth Willoughby.

“I guess it’s really good to know that people appreciate you,” said Cantrell. “I have been blessed in my teaching career, and have worked with some really good administrators.”

Cantrell has been teaching for 16 years at DCHS, as a machine shop instructor. He attended TCAT in McMinnville, and worked at Smithville Tool and Dye, Kingston Timers, and Shiroki for a period before taking on teaching duties. He is the son of Charles (Chili Bean) and Diana Cantrell, and he is married to Jenny Fuson with children Madison and Megan Cantrell.

The DCHS Parents of the Month award went to Daniel and Karie Tucker of Belk based on an essay written by their DCHS senior son, Shon Tucker.

I wrote it because I know how my parents are, and what they’ve always done for me. I know they could probably use a break from me from time to time, but they are always there when I need them and they always support me in everything I do. I just wanted to show some appreciation towards them for that.

Shon said that he had planned to join the Marines after school, but due to medical conditions he plans to join the U. S. Army National Guard.