From the moment children learn to walk and talk, little ones are taught that their actions and decisions have consequences.

If you touch something hot, you are burned; if you lie, you get punished.

Learning the difference between right and wrong is an important part of growing up.

As people get older, often times praise or punishment for certain behaviors is an internal process. There isn’t always someone watching every move you make, so you have to decide on your own which decision is the best decision.

Recently, Dawson-Bryant Middle School implemented a program to reward those students who are being good citizens and doing the right thing.

Called the Take Pride program, one student each week will be recognized in front of the entire school and given a T-shirt. The first three students to be honored were sixth graders Chase Blair and Dakota Wilson, who found money and an iPhone and turned them in rather than keep them, and seventh grader Abbie Hicks, who is working to improve her cross country skills.

It might not sound like much, but positive reinforcement for good deeds and positivity can go a long way in helping children continue to do good deeds, as well as motivate others to follow suit.

Principal Rick Roach has a great idea with the Take Pride program and we hope it will continue to encourage students to be the best citizens they can be.

If other schools in Lawrence County have a similar program in which students are commended, let our newsroom at The Tribune know by calling 740-532-1441.