Priceville Elementary School’s Leader in Me Lighthouse designation – one of only 34 in the world – has not gone unnoticed.

The Morgan County Board of Education made certain of that on Thursday night as it visited the school to heap words of praise on the school’s faculty, students and parents, made a presentation and used the library and gymnasium to conduct a work session and regular business meeting.

The fifth grade class, in turn, demonstrated to the board and a large audience of parents and teachers the leadership and public speaking skills they have developed since the Leader in Me Program was implemented in January 2010.

An overview of the program was presented with each student having the opportunity to step up to a microphone and speak briefly on what the program has meant to them.”

At the beginning of the board meeting, Principal Dr. Anne Knowlton and faculty members were asked to come forward and accept a certificate of commendation from Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. and Board Chairman Jimmy Dobbs.

“There’s only 34 Leader in Me Lighthouse Schools in the world and for one of them to be in the Morgan County School System is an achievement for which all of us can be proud,” Hopkins pointed out. “It makes me proud to present this plaque as a token of our appreciation to Dr. Knowlton, faculty, students and parents. We applaud you and encourage you to keep up the good work.”

Board Chairman Jimmy Dobbs added,” “We have a school system that cares about its students and is moving forward. What Priceville Elementary School has accomplished was not an easy task. It required the full support and hard work of an entire community. Dr. Knowlton and her staff, students and parents are to be commended. They have set a high bar for academic excellence. I’d like to see every school in the system achieve Leader in Me Lighthouse School status.”