By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Befriending lonely classmates, displaying leadership qualities and giving 100 percent in everything they do were common praises from Alabaster school teachers and administrators as they honored several students for character on Nov. 19.

During the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition meeting at Family Connection off Shelby County 26, several entities recognized students from all Alabaster schools with Character in Action awards.

The awards are a partnership between the Shelby County, Alabaster and Pelham school systems and the Shelby County Juvenile Court, and are awarded to students based on several criteria: Respect, self-discipline, responsibility, citizenship, friendship, fairness, perseverance and courage.

“This is one of the highest honors you can get,” Alabaster City Schools Student Services Coordinator Dorann Tanner said. “We can teach you and make you smart, but character will take you far in life.”

Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Jim Kramer said the awards, which will be given to students at all schools in Shelby County throughout the current school year, showcase the positive in the local education systems.

“These are generally the kids we don’t see in the Juvenile Court System,” Kramer said. “It’s very encouraging to me and to all of us to see kids that are doing great.”

Creek View Elementary student Karol Barrueta, Meadow View Elementary student Roger Hernandez, Thompson Intermediate student Kinley Callahan, Thompson Sixth Grade Center student Jaxson VanZandt, Thompson Middle student Isabelle Goolsby and Thompson High student Wesley Brown were honored during the ceremony.

Brown, a THS varsity basketball player, displays respect for those around him every day, and regularly volunteers to help his special-needs peers, while Goolsby, a volleyball player, works to achieve her goals and does the right thing regardless of popular opinion, Tanner said.

VanZandt treats everyone around him the way he wants to be treated, and sets an example for everyone around him, while Callahan earned praise for having a positive attitude and working well with other students.

Barrueta uses kindness while working with other students, and makes an effort to befriend new or lonely students, while Hernandez volunteers to translate for other students learning English and mentors classmates who are struggling.