MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — Four students in the Mobile County Public School System were recently honored for their work ethic and attitudes.
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According to an MCPSS news release, the four top students were chosen by a committee and presented with the 2026 Learning Leading Award during classes this week.
“These students all have a few things in common: They are kind, they go out of their way to help others, and they have the utmost character and integrity to represent their schools with honor,” the release said.
At Gilliard Elementary School, fifth-grader Ryland Besaw is well-known for taking the initiative to go the extra mile. When he’s not serving as the school’s Flag Pole Representative, he can be found tutoring first graders or volunteering his time in any way that benefits his community.
Anniston Byrd, who attends McDavid-Jones Elementary School as a fifth-grader, is in the Pursuing Academics, Creativity, and Excellence program. As a member of the Wildcat National News broadcast team, Byrd knows the importance of teamwork and including everyone around her. When she’s not playing volleyball or soccer, you can find her singing with the children’s ministry at Restoration Church.
At Phillips Preparatory School, eighth-grader Benjamin Stringfellow stays busy as the Student Government Association President, a member of the MCPSS Honor Band and robotics team, and has all As in the International Baccalaureate magnet program classes. Those around him say that he is a stand-out role model for his friends and family.
Farah Hujier, a senior at Davidson High School, has already been accepted to schools like the University of Michigan and Georgia Tech. She intends to major in chemical engineering in the hopes of creating life-saving medicine. She’s credited with bolstering the robotics program, which later received the first-place BEST award and second place against 23 teams. As the child of immigrant parents, Farah knows the importance of empathy and compassion, as well as honor in her heritage…