Mountain Brook Elementary School was named a 2020 Promising Practice by Character.org. 

April 2, 2021 — The nonprofit organization Character.org honored Mountain Brook Elementary School as one of its 2020 Promising Practices in Character Development during a national forum held in early March. 

MBE garnered recognition for its Lancer League program that allows students in fourth through sixth grade to hold leadership positions within the school. Only 264 schools nationally earned 2020 Promising Practice certification from Character.org

“While having MBE named as a Promising Practice is something to celebrate, the greatest reward has been observing the inclusivity that the Lancer League has brought to the students at MBE,” Principal Ashley McCombs said. “Talents. Interests. Passions. There is a place where every learner can invest in authentic community opportunities, serve alongside peers with a variety of abilities and perspectives, and develop their voice as a leader.”

MBE school librarian Margaret Hudson has coordinated the Lancer League since its inception in 2012. She said it usually consists of 65 to 90 students who go through an application process and serve on various teams within the building. While some students conduct school tours and deliver morning announcements, others create bulletin boards and write for the school newspaper. 

Collectively, the League aims to amplify student voice and build character. 

“The whole purpose is to provide as many opportunities for students to lead as possible,” Hudson said. “What I like about the Lancer League is it lets students lead where they’re more comfortable.”

MBE joins Mountain Brook Junior High as one of the few Alabama schools to earn Character.org Promising Practice recognition. 

Founded in 1993, Character.org provides the voice, visibility, and resources for educators to build nurturing and supportive school cultures that focus on core values and character strengths vital to student and school success. 

McCombs, Hudson, and teacher Katie Potts led MBE through the Character.org certification process. 

“These student leaders are becoming more civic-minded, recognizing their influence on society,” McCombs said. “The confidence and outward focus these students develop in elementary school build a firm foundation and ground them in effective character traits and leadership principles that will secure their future success."