By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

ALABASTER—Respectful, responsible, courageous and friendly were just a few of the adjectives used to describe five Character in Action award recipients on Jan. 27. The monthly award recognizes students from the Shelby County, Alabaster City and Pelham City school systems for strength of character.

Oak Mountain schools students Gregory Morris, Jacob Oliver, Julian Nicholson, Julia Beuche and Alyssa LaCally were each presented with Character in Action awards during a Jan. 27 Drug Free Coalition meeting at Family Connections in Alabaster.

These students were nominated by their teachers and schools for “best exemplifying strength of character,” SCS social worker Emily Littrell said.

“This award focuses on strength of character,” Littrell said. “We are highlighting our students who set an example for other students at school.”

Gregory Morris, a ninth grader at Oak Mountain High School, received his second Character in Action award. Morris received an award last year as a student at Oak Mountain Middle School.

This year, Morris was recognized for his kindness, drive to succeed and optimism.

“Every single time our paths cross, I am met with a bright smile and a friendly greeting…His attitude and demeanor are uplifting and inspiring,” the nomination form for Morris read. “Even when faced with challenges that would sideline others, he doesn’t flinch and works through them until he reaches his goal.”

Jacob Oliver received an award as Oak Mountain Middle School’s nomination. His nomination form described his hard work in school, courage and ability to sympathize with others.

“Jacob is very aware of the feelings of those around him and he is sensitive with other students, even the students who most others have difficulty being kind to,” Oliver’s nomination form read. “Jacob is the perfect example of a student always willing to do his best and never give up.”

Oak Mountain Intermediate School’s nomination, Julian Nicholson, was noted for his academic responsibility, fairness and ability to make good decisions.

“Julian is extremely responsible, especially with his academic work…He keeps up with all of his school work and has excellent grades,” Nicholson’s nomination form read. “He will always stick up for someone if he sees them being wronged in some way…Julian has a very clear sense of right versus wrong and is a leader in making good decisions.”

Inverness Elementary School’s Julia Beuche received a Character in Action award for her leadership, desire to succeed in school and willingness to help and take on additional responsibilities as a peer helper in music and as a library master.

“She is a daily leader in our classroom environment…Many of the teachers here at Inverness have given Julia leadership roles,” Beuche’s nomination form read. “Julia’s daily attitude is one of ‘doing the right thing, even if no one is looking!’ She has a genuine, truthful and sincere approach to her friends and school.”

Alyssa LaCally was chosen by Oak Mountain Elementary School to receive a Character in Action award. LaCally was noted for her initiative, caring nature and careful attention to her schoolwork.

“She uses excellent manners and commonly thinks of others before she thinks of herself,” LaCally’s nomination form read. “Alyssa is a very responsible student…If she doesn’t feel that she has done her very best, she will redo an assignment without being asked by her teacher.”

The Character in Action program is a joint effort between the SCS, ACS, PCS and the Shelby County Juvenile Court.

“It is a rewarding program for us, especially in the juvenile court because we don’t usually get to see the good acts that children do,” Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Jim Kramer said.