Holt Elementary's Work With Nonprofit Wins National Distinction

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Holt Elementary School was recognized this week as a Promising Practice school by Character.org, marking the second time in as many years the school has achieved the distinction.

The Tuscaloosa County School System said Holt Elementary is one of just 170 schools and organizations across the country selected for the honor in 2021 and one of just four in Alabama.

The Promising Practice recognized by the website is the school's partnership with Wings of Grace Relief Center — a non-profit organization that provides assistance to families.

TCSS says students on the Holt Elementary yearbook staff began volunteering with the nonprofit during the last year, wrapping Christmas gifts, sorting clothing and shoes, and restocking its food pantry.

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, when Wings of Grace was in need of food, the school held a community food drive to help restock the pantry. Holt Elementary faculty and staff also signed up to work at Wings of Grace after school throughout the year.

Character.org will honor Holt Elementary at its National Forum later this year.

Last year, Holt Elementary’s launch and implementation of its parent engagement program was selected as a 2020 Promising Practice by Character.org. Both Huntington Place Elementary and Walker Elementary also earned the distinction of Character.org National School of Character in 2020.

The three other Alabama schools to receive Promising Practice honors are Margaret Elementary

Vestavia Hills Elementary at Cahaba Heights and Vestavia Hills Elementary East.

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