June 2025 Student Spotlights – Prattville, Autauga & Elmore County

ACS second graders enjoyed a trip to the Autauga County Courthouse last week to participate in Law Day! This fun and informative field trip includes a courthouse tour and the opportunity to meet Prattville Police, Prattville Fire, Autauga County Sheriff’s, and Autauga County judicial officials to learn about community responsibilities & safety. But, the big event every year is the trial of BB Wolf v. Curly Pig – a mock trial about the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf with some familiar faces behind the masks.

Prattville Junior High School students now have access to a newly renovated library and outdoor classroom following last week’s Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon cutting! These beautifully renovated areas serve as extensions of the classroom and hands-on learning labs, all while creating opportunities for student collaboration throughout the school day. As a part of the unveiling, PJHS proudly welcomed state & local officials, community members, and financial partners who made the $117,000 renovation price tag possible.

Students who did well on the iReady Benchmark got to enjoy popsicles, cookies, Kona Ice and Slicky Slides on May 16th. The iReady Growth Celebration has quickly became a favorite school event.

The sweet sound of conversation filled the Prattville Primary School auditorium last month as students welcomed Prattville Parks and Recreation’s Gillespie Center participants to their campus as a semester service project. Guests enjoyed breakfast lovingly made by PPS food service staff, mini concerts, personal book readings, and engaging conversations. Students learned that several guests were former PPS students, creating full-circle moments for students and guests alike.

Congratulations! Taliyah Howard, an Autaugaville School senior, was recognized at this year’s Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Banquet. She was named the Class 1A, Region 3 Achievement Award honoree for achieving excellence despite obstacles, exemplifying a dedication to being the best she can be in the classroom and on the field.

Two ECTC seniors were among fifteen signees at Trenholm State Community College River Region FAME program signing day. Garrett Mann was selected for employment at Rheem, and Lex Ward was selected for employment at Kinpak. Both will begin working with their partner organizations while they obtain their Advanced Manufacturing Technician degree from Trenholm. From left to right, ECTC Welding instructor Slade Holley, Wetumpka High School senior Garett Mann, Elmore County High School senior Lex Ward, and ECTC Automotive Service instructor DJ Warren.

On May 12th, PES and PIS had their annual Kickball Game. Prattville Intermediate School was victorious for the third time in a row! Faculty and staff members participated in the Kickball Game and brought the trophy home.

The Elmore County Technical Center hosted its 11th Annual Elmore County CTE Awards Banquet where 95 students in CTE programs across the county were recognized as Students of the Year in their programs for respective base campuses. One student is selected as the Student of the Year for the entire county for each of the 24 CTE programs (winners present at the banquet in 2025 Winners photo). The 2025 Elmore County CTE Student of the Year and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Four Star Freightliner is Sha’Hollene Smith from Stanhope Elmore High School’s FBLA program.

The Elmore County Technical Center was recognized as a 2024 School of Distinction for Elmore County’s Annual CTE Awards Banquet. Schools submitted one unique student-centered, school-based program to be considered for the award. Only four schools in Alabama School Board District 3 were selected for this honor!

Autauga County Schools had 20 students from Marbury High School, Marbury Middle School, Prattville High School, and Prattville Junior High School selected to participate in the 2025 Alabama Bandmasters Association’s All-State Band Festival! This group of talented musicians were top performers as district honor band attendees, earning a coveted spot on the state’s stage.

Six students from ECTC’s Welding Technology program demonstrated their proficiency on certification tests this school year. All welders pictured received 3G certification except Savannah Scott who received 1G certification. Photo – (left to right) Slade Holley (ECTC Welding Instructor), Nathan Moats (SEHS), Ethan Harris (WHS), Jackson Gantt (ECHS), Zach Forney (HHS), and Garrett Mann (WHS).

There’s nothing quite like an old-fashioned picnic to bring people together! ACS’ EL Department hosted a picnic celebrating a successful school year for more than 100 ESL students and their families. Students were recognized for their participation while everyone enjoyed food, games, and prizes.

On May 2nd, the 2018-2019 6th Grade class of Prattville Intermediate visited the school as the Senior class of 2025! All the students and faculty were happy to see previous students and loved ones in their cap and gowns!

The Gifted program had fun with science at McWane Science Center, Jr. Beta Club took a swim at the YMCA, the 5th Grade became Friends of the Forest, and the 6th Grade ventured to Camp Chandler.

Seven ECTC students participated in Elmore County CTE’s Career Signing Day for seniors who have secured employment in their field of study prior to graduation. We held two sessions to best accommodate student and employer schedules. Pictured with CTE Director Emilie Johnson and Superintendent Richard Dennis: Ethan Harris (WHS), Garrett Mann (WHS), Jackson Gantt (ECHS), Caleb Till (SEHS), Lex Ward (ECHS), and Patrick Hart (ECHS). In the second session, Lexi Martin (EDGE Virtual School) signs her commitment to employment with Baptist Health.

For the first time in school history, HOUSE of Reveur are the HOUSE Champions! PIS had their HOUSE Reveal Party on May 16th. Congratulations Reveur!

Culinary Arts students from ECTC were busy during May as they prepared banquet setups for multiple events including the Joe Sewell Memorial Award and Elmore County CTE Awards Banquet.