Just recently, Liam Connaughton, a senior at Badin, began an award called Teacher and Staff of the Month. This is the awards second month and Mr. Cole and Mr. Allen received it for October.

For teacher of the month, French and psychology teacher Eric Cole won. Sophomore student Andrew Keck has only great things to say about Cole.

“His energy always matches my energy, and it always leads to a good time,” Keck said. “I believe that he is special because he forms a special bond with each of his students that feels unique.”

When asked why Cole is excited to come into school every day he had an automatic response.

“The people,” Cole said.

Cole may come to school for the people, but he gives back just as much as he expects.

“Mr. Cole was the first teacher that I got close with at Badin, and I owe him a lot since he is the reason I started realizing how fast and fun school can be,” Keck said.

Cole is very deserving of his title as Teacher of the Month. Dirk Allen is also very deserving of his title as Staff of the Month.

“Really pleased to be the Staff of the Month ... very unexpected. I'm tucked back here in the Student Development Office so sometimes you wonder if the students even know who you are and what you're doing,” Allen said.

Students definitely know what he is doing and understand the positive impact he makes on their lives. Senior Hailey Lipp has had many great experiences with Allen over the years.

“I love his energy. He always is in a great mood, and his positivity is contagious,” Lipp said. “Mr. Allen does his best to make every single one of us feel special for our own reasons.”

Allen is truly inspiring to many students.

“I'm excited to come to Badin every day because I enjoy the opportunity to try to make a positive impact on student lives,” Allen said.

There would be no Teacher or Staff of the Month without the students. Allen offered advice for all of the high school students who are coming and going.

“Embrace your high school experience. Make the most of it, because you only get to do it once in your life,” Allen said.