THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

Edgewood Elementary School has been named one of nine Torchbearer Schools in Alabama.

The distinction comes to those schools from impoverished areas that have high academic achievement.

It’s an honor,&8221; said Concetta Burton, Edgewood Elementary School principal. &8220;I wasn’t expecting that this morning.&8221;

Burton inherited an Edgewood that three years ago was cited for academic inefficiency. She said the turnaround is due to the teachers, staff, students and the parents for working with their children.

Edgewood, the largest elementary school in the Selma City School district, has 85 percent of its students on free or reduced meals.

The Torchbearer status makes Edgewood eligible for a $15,000 award during a Jan. 29 recognition program when the nine schools honored by the Alabama department of Education.

Edgewood has also been declared in emergency status, since its flat roof leaks when it rains. Burton said they &8220;work with what they have.&8221;

The other schools selected are:

n North Birmingham Elementary, Birmingham City

n Wilkerson Middle School, Birmingham City

n Lincoln Elementary School, Huntsville City

n Anna F. Booth, Mobile County

n Indian Springs Elementary, Mobile County

n George Hall Elementary, Mobile County

n Mary W. Burroughs, Mobile County

n E.D. Nixon Elementary, Montgomery County