January is a time each year to show appreciation to boards of education in Alabama, and Franklin County systems got in on the act.

In celebration of Alabama’s 29th annual School Board Member Recognition Month, student ambassadors from Tharptown and Belgreen attended the Jan. 25 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education. They thanked the board members and presented them with tokens of appreciation.

Additionally, Superintendent Greg Hamilton presented certificates of appreciation to the board members in thanks for their service for the schools.

The Russellville City Board of Education, in its Jan. 27 meeting, also acknowledged the month, holding a reception to welcome recently-appointed board member Radford Hester as well as to show appreciation for all of the Board of Education members.

Cindy Coan’s Food and Nutrition students prepared refreshments, and Avary Miller and Anna Skidmore served as student hosts.

West Elementary Principal Ann Scott presented gifts of appreciation to members of the Board. “We just want to tell you how much we appreciate all of you, especially in a year like we’ve had,” said Scott. “You always make your decisions based on what’s best for the students, and you’ve been so supportive. We appreciate everything you do for us, and I say this on behalf of all the schools.”

Russellville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes expressed gratitude for the board members as well. “I’m really blessed to work with a board that truly puts our students first,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of our teachers and administrators and everything they do for our students.”