Cassie Henderson was recently presented with a Hero Award by the principal at Union Mine High School, Mr. Fickle, at a special lunch meeting. Along with about 15 other students who also received the award, Cassie enjoyed pizza and soda for lunch, with chocolate cake for dessert. All the award winners received a free movie rental from Hollywood Videos, and were eligible for a raffle of other prizes (which unfortunately, Cassie didn't win).

Cassie was nominated for the award by Mr. Zeller, her teacher for Contemporary Literature (English 4).

Mr. Zeller wrote on Cassie's nomination form:

Yes, she knows that she is named after the prophetess of doom, the prophetess who is always right but whose word is never taken seriously until it's too late.

Is she "always right" in my class? No, but neither is she a prophetess of doom.

Her comments are, of course, always astute; and they are, generally speaking, unconventional, to say the least. I have noticed most, however, that they are always deeply respectful - not just of the people to whom she is speaking at the moment, but also (quite plainly) of people in general, of anyone and everyone who might conceivably be part of the "big conversation." I have noticed, without exception, an encouraging subtext in Cassie's comments and actions - she seems not only to insist on the right to be her own person (we call this INTEGRITY) but also to insist that others have the same right (we call this RESPECT). And finally, unlike her more famous, pessimistic namesake, there is, well, JOY! Or at least an attempt to find it everywhere.

Mr. Zeller

Editorial Information

Reporter: Laurie Paulsen Connection:Cassie is a friend, and resident of Grizzly Flats.