Three Tuscaloosa City Schools earn awards for promoting character growth

Jasmine Hollie, The Tuscaloosa News

March 3, 2022 at 10:00 PM·2 min read

Five schools in Alabama have been recognized for their efforts at promoting character development and three of those honored are part of the Tuscaloosa City Schools system.

Westlawn Middle School and Tuscaloosa Magnet Middle and Elementary schools have been named 2022 Alabama Schools of Character by character.org, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

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"What you have done in becoming a state School of Character is remarkable," said Terri Boman, executive director of the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation, during a Tuesday awards ceremony at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy.

Marbria Fisher and Kaliyah Sanders perform a flammability test during a science lab Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Westlawn Middle School in Tuscaloosa. The school was recently named a School of Character.

Principals at the three Tuscaloosa schools accepted medals and trophies in recognition of the achievement during the ceremony.

Preeti Nichani, principal at Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary, said she was "super-pumped" about the honor.

"But our work is not done. This is just the beginning. And we're going to continue to build the character within our school within the walls at our schools so this can spread throughout the entire community," Nichani said.

A total of 69 schools nationwide received the honor, which is based on demonstrating a dedicated focus on character development.

A button worn on the lapel of English teacher Shunetta Kirkman's jacket shows the core values the school teaches daily Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Westlawn Middle School in Tuscaloosa. The school was recently named a School of Character.

The schools that applied for the designation must meet standards based on Character.org’s 11 Principles Framework for Schools and each school was assessed by a team of evaluators. The framework measures how school promote a culture that encourages values like respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Studies have shown that character development boosts academic achievement, while improving student behavior and the school climate, according to a TCS news release.

Constance Pewee-Childs, principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet School Middle, said she was honored to accept such a prestigious award on behalf of the school.

"All of our hard work is being recognized. And it's just seal of approval to keep moving," Pewee-Childs said.

Earth Sciences teacher Jessica Finklea passes out worksheets to students including Yumichan Roberson King Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Westlawn Middle School in Tuscaloosa. The school was recently named a School of Character.

Darlene Atkins, principal of Westlawn Middle School, said she was almost speechless.

"I mean, I can't even put into words how excited I am. And it's not just a 'me' effort. It's a team effort. So I'm super-happy for Westlawn, it's really showing and validating the work that we do each and every day, and so I couldn't be happier," Atkins said.

Westlawn, Tuscaloosa Magnet School Middle and Tuscaloosa Magnet School will go on to compete on the national level for Character.org’s National School of Character honor, which will be announced in May.

The other two Alabama schools that earned the School of Character designation were both in Birmingham: Cornerstone Schools of Alabama High School and Vestavia Hills Elementary East.

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Three Tuscaloosa City Schools awarded for promoting character growth

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