Character Counts Award Recipients Honored At Whippany Park

Booker T. Washington once stated simply, “Character is power.”

At Whippany Park High School we encourage and commend those who personify this truth by displaying strong character in all that they do. Each marking period we recognize students for their positive contributions to our community through their embodiment of the six pillars: caring, respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness, and citizenship.

Our female recipient, Chloe Tai, is a hardworking member of the Whippany Park community who is well known among the faculty for having a “tireless work ethic and a positive outlook.” This senior balances a rigorous honors and AP course load with several extra-curricular activities. She competes on the tennis team, is a member of Etcetera, and has served as secretary of ERASE, treasurer of Interact, and president of SEEK. She also belongs to Etcetera, the Academic team, and is an editor for the Wildcat’s Roar. This industrious senior is also maintains membership in the National Honor Society. Faculty members overwhelmingly agree that this enthusiastic, grounded, and mature student leader “brings a quiet kindness wherever she goes.”

Our first male recipient, Dylan Hayduk, sets an example for his peers at Whippany Park. As one teacher comments, “He is one of the most polite students I have ever had--always greeting me before class and wishing me a nice day.” In addition to his cheerful attitude, this focused and bright senior carries a rigorous course load while earning multiple honor roll designations. He participates in football, Spring Track, FBLA, and Academic Team. He is a also member of the National Honor Society, was a Boys’ State nominee and was an ambassador to the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program for 2014-2015. His compassion for others and commitment to service is evidenced through his participation with many church activities, including serving as a counselor for Vacation Bible School. As one faculty member puts it, our nominee “is honest and trustworthy. He always stays true to himself and treats everyone with respect and dignity.”

Our second male recipient, Tyler Hayduk, is also a hard working and well-liked member of the Whippany Park community. Described by one faculty member as possessing a “quiet confidence and positive attitude that allows him to develop a rapport with his peers” this dedicated senior shows his character through his positive interactions with both students and teachers. He balances a rigorous course load, multiple honor roll distinctions, and membership in the National Honor Society with extracurricular and volunteer activities. He participates in football, spring weight room training, and stage crew. In addition, he serves his church by volunteering his time as an altar server and assisting with Vacation Bible School. Finally, our nominee has been described by Whippany Park faculty members as “genuine,” and “sincere,” as well as “motivated to succeed and humble when he does.”

Congratulations to Chloe Tai, Dylan Hayduk, and Tyler Hayduk for your invaluable contributions to the Whippany Park community!