Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

Seventeen outstanding students were recognized, Feb. 9, 2026, for their leadership, character, loyalty, and respect at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka during the Character in Action ceremony.

The Character in Action program identifies extraordinary young people in fifth through eighth grade across Elmore County. School administrators, counselors, and teachers nominate students for the honor, with participating schools able to nominate one girl and one boy each month. The ceremony takes place every few months to celebrate the newest honorees.

For more than a decade, the program was led by Hon. Circuit Judge Patrick Pinkston, Delane Goggans, and the juvenile probation staff. It paused when Judge Pinkston was appointed to Circuit Court, but in the fall of 2025, Judge Ben Baxley of the district court and Judge Pinkston partnered to bring it back.

Baxley spoke to the students and their families during the ceremony.

“Juvenile Court is a court where we deal with lots of family issues, kids that sometimes misbehave, parents sometimes misbehave, or a combination of the two,” said Baxley. “Tonight is the night we celebrate those of you who are doing things right. You have been selected and recognized tonight because you are doing things right. To the parents who are raising these wonderful children, thank you and congratulations. It is refreshing to see the bright shining faces of those who do things right.”

Circuit Judge Pinkston reflected on the meaning of character.

“What do we mean when we say character?” said Pinkston. “It includes qualities such as courage, honesty, integrity, responsibility, kindness, generosity, good citizenship, respect for authority, and responsible decision-making skills. These are just a few traits that describe how people see you.”

Standing before the flags in the courtroom, Baxley and Pinkston called each student forward to receive a certificate and T-shirt. They also read a brief citation highlighting why each student was chosen as a Character in Action recipient, giving the room a moment to celebrate each individual’s achievements.

“Watch your thoughts. They become your words. Watch your words. They become your actions. Watch your actions, or they become your habits. Watch your habits, or they become your character. Watch your character where it becomes your destiny,” Pinkston said.

The ceremony was not just about awards, but about the community coming together to recognize the positive impact young people can have. Families, friends, and local leaders gathered to celebrate the students’ efforts, reminding the community that character matters and that good examples are worth recognizing.

Character in Action Recipients: (*Some students were not present*)