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!
Back-to-School Fun at Pine Level Elementary
On August 5th, the faculty and staff at Pine Level Elementary warmly welcomed students and their families at their annual Back-to-School Event! It was a fantastic evening filled with excitement as students met their new teachers, explored their classrooms, and prepared for the upcoming school year.
Colorful Learning at Pine Level Elementary
At Pine Level Elementary School, learning is always colorful—literally! For two weeks, students and staff participated in themed dress-up days to help the youngest learners master their colors in a fun and engaging way. Each day featured a different color, encouraging everyone to come dressed head-to-toe in red, blue, green, yellow, and more!
Back to School at Wetumpka High School
The new school year at Wetumpka High has kicked off with energy and excitement. For many freshmen, the first day was less intimidating than the high school movies make it seem.
This year, however, comes with some big changes. On May 14, 2025, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Focus Act, which prohibits students from keeping digital and communication devices during school hours. To better support students academically, Wetumpka High administrators also adjusted the bell schedule, introducing Tribe Time and ACTion.
Tribe Time offers students a dedicated period to study and complete assignments, while ACTion focuses on preparing juniors and seniors for the ACT through practice questions, lessons, and test-taking strategies. Administrators hope these changes will boost overall academic achievement and ACT scores.
The year also began with tradition and celebration. On Friday, August 8, Wetumpka High hosted its annual Senior Banner Night at the Wetumpka Sports Complex to honor the Class of 2026. Fall sports teams, including football, cheer, and dance, were joined by the Pride of the Tribe Marching Band and Wetumpka JROTC. Principal Kyle Futral congratulated the seniors on their accomplishments and shared his excitement for the year ahead. Coaches and faculty recognized their senior athletes and participants before the students proudly displayed their banners in the stadium. The evening concluded with a shared meal and time together as a senior class.
The excitement carried over to the athletic field as Wetumpka football opened its season on August 22 with a trip to Beauregard High School. The Indians started strong, securing a 36–19 win against the Hornets under the Friday night lights.
With new opportunities, fresh goals, and plenty of school spirit, this is only the beginning of another great year at Wetumpka High School.
By Gemma Weston, Lillie Erwin, Catherine Garner, Langley Neighbors, Addi Esco, and Hartley Johnson
Outdoor Science Fun for PCA First Graders
This week, Mrs. Rendleman’s 1st grade class took their science lesson outside to PCA’s outdoor classroom! They discovered how roots anchor the plant and absorb water, how the stem supports the plant and carries nutrients, and how the leaves help make food through sunlight. The outdoor classroom made learning both exciting and memorable!
Museum of Me at Daniel Pratt Elementary
Fourth grade classes at Daniel Pratt Elementary hosted a “Me Museum” where students curated personal exhibits on their desks to tell about themselves. They had the best time showing off their hobbies and interests, while also learning about each other and building class community.
Prattville High’s ROTC Awarded
Prattville High School’s JROTC, Unit AL-951, earned 13 awards at the 2025 Southeastern Region AFJROTC Cadet Leadership Course this summer! Camp Wolfpack, as it’s more commonly known, is one of the country’s premier JROTC summer leadership schools with the mission of preparing cadets for leadership roles in their units, schools, and local communities. This intensive leadership program is designed to make cadets better leaders, followers, and team members through education and training in leadership, physical fitness, academics, athletics, drill and ceremonies, self-discipline, and group dynamics.
Billingsley Volleyball Player Stands Out
Alana Jones, a Billingsley School student, jump-started her senior year with a standout performance during last month’s AHSAA North-South All-Star Volleyball Game, racking up three digs and one assist to help her team add a win to their athletic careers.
Area Homeschoolers Demonstrate “Can-Do” Attitude
Homeschool students at Academy Days Co-op deliver canned food items to Millbrook’s Welcome Inc., a food bank which serves West Elmore County families in need. The homeschoolers represent 50 families in Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga Counties who participate in the weekly homeschool co-op held at Dalraida Baptist Church in Montgomery. Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, literature, foreign languages, creative writing, art, and PE. Visit AcademyDays.com for more information.
PCA Club Fair Helps Students Find Their Passion
PCA held a fun club fair where students checked out all the different ways to get involved, like PCA Ambassadors, Yearbook, Junior Civitan, band, the school play, and more! We are so thankful to have various extracurricular activities to offer our students to help them find their passion!
Roaring Changes at Daniel Pratt Elementary
Daniel Pratt Elementary School kicked off this school year with some ROARING changes! What was once the eagle family became the DPES Lions under Prattville’s “One Town, One Team” rebranding initiative. Daniel Pratt was proud to join fellow schools with a shared mascot and color scheme that celebrates unity and school spirit across the town. The students, faculty, and staff have jumped on board with renewed energy, spirit, and lots of new “Lions” gear making the beginning of school feel fresh and alive with excitement! Pictured here are DPES assistant principals, Vonda Wilson and Madeline Jones with principal, Mitchell Thornton.
PCA DECA Club Runs Schools Coffee Shop
Each morning before school, our new DECA Club members run the Tanglewood Coffee Shop, serving coffee, pastries, and protein shakes to faculty, staff, and students while earning service hours and gaining real-world experience in business and management. DECA is a career and technical student organization that helps prepare students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Marbury High Cheerleaders Welcome Pine Leve Elementary Students
Pine Level Elementary students were greeted with big smiles and school spirit as Marbury High School cheerleaders welcomed them during morning drop-off for their first full week of school! The cheerleaders went above and beyond—helping younger students out of their cars, escorting new students to their classrooms, and bringing an extra dose of energy and encouragement to start the day right. Thank you, Marbury High cheerleaders, for showing what Bulldog pride is all about! Go Bulldogs!
