Every month we compile a list of students doing great things across the River Region. We have so many talented students in our area. River Region Parents joins with their families and schools to celebrate their achievements!
PRHS Senior Receives Nat’l Merit Recognition
Pike Road High School senior Beth Stengel has been named a National Merit Finalist! She is among less than 1% of seniors in the United States who have received this prestigious distinction.
PRHS Tennis Team Starts Strong
The Lady Patriots Tennis team won 9-0 against Carroll of Ozark.
PRIS Fifth-Graders Study U.S. Constitution
Mr. Phillips’ fifth-grade learners at Pike Road Intermediate crafted the U.S. Constitution. Each learner was a different delegate at the Constitutional Convention, and they were able to debate what each state wanted in the new constitution.
PRIS Faculty Member Wins State Mentor Award
Catherine Kenny, a gifted education specialist at Pike Road Intermediate, has received the VEX Robotics Mentor of the Year for the State of Alabama award.
Dr. Keith Lankford Named Third Superintendent of Pike Road Schools
Dr. Keith Lankford has been named the third superintendent of Pike Road Schools. At a called board meeting on March 15, the Pike Road Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Lankford. The Board chose him after an extensive search for candidates that began in January, when Dr. Chuck Ledbetter announced his intent to leave the school system. Most stakeholders wanted someone with experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Areas of expertise include Curriculum Development and Evaluation, Organizational Leadership, and Leading Innovation in Education.
“Pike Road is a place where the community is engaged in their schools,” Lankford said. “The school system is a major reason people move to Pike Road. I am excited to partner with parents, students, educators and community members to continue to grow Pike Road Schools into one of the top systems in the state.”
Lankford is a graduate of Enterprise High School and spent several years in the Army and the National Guard. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy, his education specialist degree from Jacksonville State, and his doctorate from the University of Alabama. He has worked at almost every level in education, from paraprofessional to six years as superintendent. Lankford has been married to his wife, Cathy, for 32 years and they have two adult children. Colten recently earned his Ph.D. and works in molecular medicine, while Kara is a recent graduate of the UAB School of dentistry.
“My wife and I are excited to become the newest members of the Pike Road Community.” he said. “It is truly an honor, and I’m ready to serve.”
Lankford is working with his current school system to determine when he will transition to his new role at Pike Road Schools. Pike Road’s current superintendent, Dr. Ledbetter, plans to lead Pike Road until the end of May.
Pike Road Custodian Named Finalist in Cintas Competition
Gerald Carter has been named a finalist for the Custodian of The Year Award from Cintas! Carter is a valued member of the Pike Road Elementary School community. He’s recognized for going above and beyond for students and staff day-in and day-out. For example, he will attend students’ events outside of the school day to show his support for them and he even remembers their birthdays. When teachers request assistance, he’s right there to jump in and help with whatever is needed, like getting a band-aid for a crying student. Carter does the dirtiest jobs without ever complaining and always has a smile on his face.
Visit www.custodianoftheyear.com/cast-your-votes-now-cintas-reveals-top-10-finalists-in-nationwide-2022-custodian-of-the-year-contest/.
MEA Alum Chosen for Special Honor at Auburn
Macon East Academy alum Jake Wyrosdick has been chosen as a War Eagle Plainsmen for 2022 – 2023 at Auburn University! The War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen are charged with the duty and honor of representing Auburn University students to faculty, administrators, and the community.
Macon East Academy Volleyball Standouts Sign with Southern Union
Macon East Academy seniors Maddie Ross and Savannah Sharpe both accepted scholarships to continue their volleyball careers at Southern Union Community College in a signing ceremony held at the school recently. They both helped lead the Lady Knights to a Class AAA runner-up finish in the state volleyball tournament this past season.
Ross is an outside hitter and has played with the Lady Knights team the past four years, including the state championship team in 2018. She has played in two state championship finals and been a part of two final four teams. She finished the season with 201 kills and 125 digs.
Sharpe has only been on the team for one year, but prior to this season she was a part of three state championships and a national championship. She finished the 2021 season with 600 assists.
PRHS Softball Player Makes Top of the List
Pike Road High School student Haley Melton made the top 22 in 2022 list. She is definitely off to a great start this season and is a key piece in the building of our Patriot softball program.
Mayor Stone Visits Pike Road Pre-K
Pre-K had a special visitor to kick off Read Across America Week. Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone came and read to the Pre-K learners. They were so excited to meet the mayor!
Local Doctor Visits PRIS Students for Eye Unit
Dr. Chelsea Ward paid a visit to Pike Road Intermediate’s 4th-grade learners to perform an eyeball dissection! They also got to use their creativity to construct eyeball projects.
