LaFAYETTE — The top students from Valley and LaFayette high schools were recognized Wednesday night.

Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hodge and Dr. Sharon Weldon recognized the students who made the highest grades from each school on behalf of the Chambers County School District.

From Valley High School, Jase Phillips was recognized in the number one spot, with Callie Pike and Alexis Walls taking second and third, respectively.

LaFayette High School recognized Ny’Keirria Billingsley for having the best grades of her graduating class, followed by Miciah Vines and D’Angelo Swanson.

“Besides the amazing academic things that they did, they were also very involved,” Weldon said. “We are very proud of all of them.”

The students were not only recognized for their academic performance, but also for their service in student government, engagement in school sponsored clubs and work with volunteer organizations. Upon receiving their plaques, each student shared their favorite moment from high school and their educational and career goals for the future.

Wednesday’s meeting also included the recognition of 16 school district employees who had retired over the last year. Superintendent Hodge presented them with plaques, gave them each a hug and thanked them for their years of service.

Five elementary school students who participated in Chambers County’s “Amazing Shake” competition were present at the meeting. A video was produced by Lauren Dabbs, fourth-grade teacher at Fairfax Elementary, and it explained what the competition was all about.

The video described “The Amazing Shake” as a competition that challenged students’ manners, etiquette, discipline, respect and personal conduct. Started by the Ron Clark Academy as a national event, this was the inaugural year for Chambers County students. Journey Dixon took home the first place award.

In another action, the board also approved payrolls for April 2018, an overnight “lock-in” at Surge Trampoline Park for Valley High School band members and made some minor adjustments in the Chambers County Student Code of Conduct.

Before adjourning, the board unanimously voted in Andrew Leak to the position of Principal at Five Points School.

Leak will replace Rhonda Givins, principal of the school for the last 18 years. Leak has been the assistant principal at Valley High School for the past five years.