Benet Academy prides itself on its Catholic identity, Benedictine tradition and academic strength. One week in October, Benet invites five people to speak about the value of honesty. This year, on the eighth anniversary of this event, Mr. Patrick Doyle, Madison Gabouer, Mr. Jim Brown and Will County State’s Attorney Mr. Glasgow spoke about the importance of integrity, truthfulness and candor.

Mr. Doyle, a Benet graduate and respected English teacher, spoke about how Benet is a “great school.” He explained that everyday teachers come prepared and ready to challenge their students. They want success and will celebrate every achievement but will not hesitate to punish anyone for cheating. Benet Academy has high standards because as Mr. Doyle said, “We care about you, and we care about our school. Great schools care about academic honesty.” He explained that for 130 years Benet has been an esteemed beacon of knowledge, and that students must devote themselves to protecting the tradition of “honest work, honest work ethic, and honest grades” in the words of Mr. Doyle.

Every year, a senior who represents all that Benet stands for is chosen to speak to the student body. This year that student was senior Madison Gabouer. Gabouer explained what academic honesty means to her. She said, “Academic honesty week truly embodies the morals that we as Benet students should uphold. This week prepares us for college and for life in the utmost sense that cheating and dishonesty will get us nowhere.” Gabouer focused on the fact that lies break apart morals and the trust that others give. She spoke on the fact that when cheating, there is lying to families, friends and yourself.

Mr. Jim Brown, assistant principal, explained that Benet wants students of integrity and a week of reminders is a good thing. He wanted to make an active prevention and to remind the students of the repercussions of cheating. In his speech he let everyone know that plagiarism of a paper may result in an expulsion of the class that could turn into a non-graduation. Mr. Brown wants everyone to succeed and is very proud of Benet, the school that he has dedicated his life to. He knows that academic honesty builds up the morals which are necessary to succeed in the future.

This year, Will County State’s Attorney and Benet father, Mr. Glasgow talked about the importance of honesty in high school and in the work force. Benet always invites an adult with connections to Benet to speak about how lying will break future careers. Honesty is a virtue formed early in life and carried throughout one’s life. In previous years, state senator Mr. Mike Connelly and federal attorney Mr. Pat Collins have spoken during this week as well. All speeches ring the same that honesty reaches outside of Benet Academy’s walls.

Academic Honesty Week is one intended to prepare students for the future by reiterating the importance and value of integrity. This week is a reminder of the tradition that Benet Academy has upheld throughout its rich history.