During the school year The Clanton Advertiser prints a special edition once a week that holds one student in the spotlight for his or her accomplishments in the eighth grade. Each week a student is selected from a different school in the county. That student is then photographed and interviewed.

The child’s interview is then written into a biography to be printed in the paper for residents of the county to see. By keeping our kids in the spotlight, we can help keep their self-images up which in return can create a better outlook for the future.

Students that are chosen for this recognition have accomplished a goal set by the principal and teachers of the schools. Whether the student has not missed a single day of school for one semester, if they have straight A’s on their report card or if they have made an improvement in behavior, these kids are locals. They could be neighbors or a person just down the street.

With this once a week printing of the Newspapers in Education edition, we are able to reach out and give students who may not otherwise get any attention or recognition for something that they have accomplished. The section also gives students other students a chance to learn the importance of reading a newspaper and the fun of learning through specially designed puzzles and activities.

Through the power of reading the NIE section of the paper, which is printed on Friday’s, helps to teach and express kids.

This special edition goes to every eighth grader in Chilton County and, thus, allows students to keep up with what is going on in Chilton County and around the world. We thank the Rotary Club of Chilton County and the many sponsors of the edition who help make this happen.