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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Board of Education took time to recognize various accomplishments and highlights from Pelham City Schools during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Feb. 24.

Each month during the meetings, time is allotted for “Panther Pride,” in which the board takes time to recognize student successes across the Pelham City Schools system.

The February installment of Panther Pride saw the recognition of three students who were recognized at the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit. Kansas Klein, from Pelham High School, won first place in the 9-10 grade division at the exhibit, while Luca Rice and Molly Driver, both students at Pelham Oaks, were awarded in the K-2 division.

In sports, the Pelham Park Middle School cheer team earned a bid to nationals in Orlando, where they finished in the top 10. Maddox McDaniel, an eighth-grade wrestler, placed third at the AHSAA 6A State Tournament. Furthermore, Pelham indoor track shined at the state championships, finishing in the top 10 in multiple competitions.

Lucas Kalba, of Pelham High School, placed second in The American Legion’s Shelby County Oratorical Contest. Kalba will now move on to the next round of the competition, which will be held on Saturday, March 1.

Pelham High School senior Alex Adams was also lauded for her writing skills, earning a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her portfolio outlining the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Nathan Brasher, a Pelham Ridge Elementary student, won the Shelby County Spelling Bee and will now advance to the Alabama State Spelling Bee on March 22. Harrison Mitchell, from Pelham Oaks, placed third in the State Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot Contest, as well.

The Panther Pride segment closed by highlighting the You Matter initiative, in which PHS students made personalized Valentine’s Day messages for students and staff alike. Furthermore, students from Pelham Oaks were recognized for creating Valentine’s cards for the Pelham Police and Fire Departments, and ambassadors from the school visited the Pelham Senior Center to share handmade cards.

For more information on Pelham City Schools, visit Pelhamcityschools.org.