Pictured: Student of the Month recipients for February 2019.

Students are attending school more often, and with higher morale than ever in Aniak, Alaska, thanks to incentives supported by Alaska Commercial Company.

Alaska Commercial Company Aniak has been supporting the Auntie Mary Nicoli Elementary School’s Student of the Month program and Perfect Attendance awards for four years. Both programs have helped improve school morale and encouraged students to show up and strive for excellence since being introduced.

The school has seen the commitment in the student body triple: what once yielded about seven perfect attendance awards, now recognizes 23 or more students consistently.

For the Student of the Month program, teachers present the award to a student in their class who shows excellent behavior inside and outside the classroom, is well managed, has a positive attitude towards others and towards learning, and respects peers and adults.

Alaska Commercial Company Aniak has partnered with the school’s vendors (Mad Al, F’real and Harlan) to supply incentives for the students to excel. The reward system for Student of the Month includes prizes such as a free slushie or F’real candy, fresh fruit, AC hats and other items from various vendors.

The experience has given the youth direction and a better understanding of what possibilities are ahead and gives them direction, explained the school’s principal, Todd Boynton.

“For the past four years, Alaska Commercial Company has provided awards for our students of the month and students with perfect attendance, as well as additional donations when asked. It's a great feeling to watch students light up when their name is called for an award. We owe the Alaska Commercial Company a big thank you for helping make that happen,” Boynton added. ­­­