Skyland Elementary recognized as National School of Character

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Kennedy Payne

The students at Skyland Elementary School gathered Friday to celebrate the school being recognized as a National School of Character. There are 73 schools across the country that are recognized for this achievement. Two of them are within Tuscaloosa City Schools: Skyland Elementary School and Oakdale Elementary School.

The Stillman College Marching Band kickstarted the pep rally with high energy music. Mayor Walt Maddox gave the keynote address.

Skyland Elementary Principal Selena Speight said this accomplishment reinforces the values and purpose of developing our youth.

“It is very rewarding, that feeling of gratitude. It helps you to realize why you go into this profession,” Speight said. “We want our students to come in better than how they were when we received them. We want to make sure character development is a priority and that we’re instilling in them the skills they need to go out and be leaders in our community.”

The four words “Determination, Respect, Accountability and Optimism” can be found hanging in various places around the school. The staff at Skyland Elementary have worked hard to instill these ideas into the students’ daily routines, both in and outside of school.

This is the second consecutive year that Tuscaloosa City Schools has been recognized for this honor.