Mason Ecker of Paxton has been named the PBL High School October Student of the Month. His parents are Brad and Christie Ecker.
The senior was nominated by Steve Waugh, Freshman Football Coach, Varsity Football Assistant Coach and Special Education Teacher at PBL.
Coach Waugh wrote in his nominating letter,
“I would like to nominate senior Mason Ecker as student of the month. Mason is a senior football player who has, on a number of occasions, exemplified our football team’s motto “For One Another” as well as the part of our school’s vision statement that stresses “Relationships”. Specifically, I have witnessed Mason go out of his way to help a freshman football player who was in need. This particular freshman football player has a disability that causes him to get overwhelmed in social situations or in situations that present challenges or unexpected changes. When this freshman is overwhelmed he often feels unaccepted and wants to quit. On at least two separate occasions I witnessed Mason, without hesitation, put his arm around this freshman, pull him aside, and listen to and comfort him when he was having one of these hard times. Simply by having a senior football player take initiative and show he cares, this freshman was able to calm down and make it through the challenging situation. Mason’s actions demonstrate not only his leadership on the football team but also demonstrates genuine caring and acceptance. I know that this freshman player now feels like he is accepted and that he is an important part of the football team and undoubtedly Mason’s actions have been a huge factor in this.”
Mason participates on many of the athletic teams at PBL: Football, Basketball, Track & Field and Baseball. He has volunteered with other members of the football team at the Paxton Swine & Dine, helping to set up, clean, and tear down tables, chairs and other items needed to make that event a success.
Mason enjoys hunting and fishing and can often be found at Green Acres Sportsman’s Club as he has been employed there for awhile, working with their dogs and birds, even before participating in the ICE program this year with the Club. His future plans after high school are undecided, although he is looking to play baseball and possibly football at a 4 year college.
The Student of the Month Award is administered by the PBL Education Foundation. The award focuses on recognizing students at the high school level who demonstrate the district mission of “excellence through rigor, relevance, and relationships.” Teachers are free to nominate students by any criteria they choose as long as it demonstrates the school’s mission.
New to the program this year – Each month’s winner receives $50.00 in Paxton Area Chamber Bucks. Previously it was $25.00. The 2018-2019 Student of the Month Program is sponsored by Gilbane Building Company.
