2019 winner shines in school and community service

For the past 31 years, a Godwin High School senior has been presented the award of the Most Valuable Eagle (MVE).

The nominees for the MVE are decided by students in the senior class. The students with the most votes then enter the second round of voting where teachers and staff choose the final MVE from the four candidates.

According to Principal Leigh Dunavant, MVEs are distinguished from their classmates due to their value of education, optimism, goal-orientation, integrity, and loyalty. Additionally, they exhibit exemplary character and see the value in all people.

This year, Godwin seniors and faculty have chosen Connor Butterworth as MVE.

Throughout his time as a Godwin student, Butterworth has shown his love for the school through his constant efforts to make Godwin the best place it can be.

“Connor loves Godwin so much and does everything he can to make it a better place to be,” said Dunavant.

The other students nominated for this award were Thomas Hodges, Ava MacBlane, and Benjamin Graves.

According to Butterworth’s father, Craig Butterworth, his son always displays a positive attitude and is a very compassionate and attentive listener.

“When you combine these attributes with his no-quit attitude and determination to succeed, you have all the ingredients necessary for a good leader, and we believe Connor embodies all those things,” said Craig Butterworth.

In school, Butterworth participates in numerous clubs and activities. His leadership skills are evident as he holds an officer position in numerous student organizations.

Butterworth is the leader of Equity Ambassadors, a group that seeks to raise awareness of equity issues within the school. “He gives 110 percent in all that he does,” said Dunavant.

Additionally, he has been the President of the Model United Nations (UN) for the past two years, while previously being the club’s historian as a sophomore.

He has also been the Class President for the past three years and is currently the Student Council Association (SCA) President. Butterworth also founded the Computer Science Honor Society and currently serves as the President.

In addition to these leadership roles, Butterworth is involved with the Board Game Club, Anime Club, and Film Club.

Outside of school, Butterworth works 8-10 hours per week at Wegman’s.

As a student in the leadership class, leadership and history teacher Rebecca Martino has been able to get to know Butterworth well.

“Connor’s personal motto is ‘speak for the silent, stand for the broken.’ He is one of the most genuinely nice students I have ever taught. Connor tries to be a friend to all and isn’t afraid to act silly to make people smile. He truly loves Godwin and has a ton of Eagle PRIDE,” said Martino.

According to his father, Butterworth is a hard worker and has a strong sense of fairness.

“Connor has a great work ethic and he’s a relentless consensus-builder. He also routinely advocates for the less fortunate among his peers and doesn’t hesitate to speak up when he sees the playing field as anything less than fair,” said Craig Butterworth.

According to Craig Butterworth, his son has grown in many ways throughout his time as a student at Godwin.

“Like his peers, Connor has matured in a myriad of ways. He’s made a lot of sacrifices to achieve his goals and realize his ambitions. So far, all that hard work has paid off,” said Craig Butterworth.

Butterworth’s plans for after Godwin graduation include attending college.

“We’re very excited because we know he’s just getting started. Connor is going places!” said Craig Butterworth.

According to his father, Butterworth’s family is very happy for him, especially knowing that this honor came from both peers and Godwin faculty.

“To be recognized by his peers and teachers in this way will have him glowing for a long time to come,” said Craig Butterworth.