Crenshaw Christian Academy is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year; along with this, the school is also celebrating another special note of recognition.

The Alabama Independent School Association announced that CCA would be the recipient of the AISA Class A President’s Award for the 2007 – 2008 school year. The President’s Award was established by the AISA for the specific purpose of recognizing member schools that achieve academic excellence during the school year. The criteria for winning the AISA President’s Award includes achievement in all areas of school excellence such as: standardized testing, scholarships, academic scholars, academic competitions, professional personnel standards and development, which includes the number of certified teachers on staff with degrees and teacher certification, accreditation, and other activities that celebrate excellence in academics.

“It is a very high honor for us to receive this award from AISA,” CCA Administrator Angela Carpenter said. “Not all AISA schools qualify for this award.”

“This was a joint effort from our faculty and staff, our students and parents, and our Board of Directors,” she added. “It’s an overall view of our school’s success.”

Merlene Carlisle teaches 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grade English and history at CCA.

“Winning this award signifies to me the results of a team effort,” Carlisle said. “No one person can take credit for it. However, the real award for us comes when our students leave us and excel in college as well as their futures.”

Lisa Williams, who teaches high school English at CCA, explained how the President’s Award displayed a dedication from both the teachers and the students.

“This is a phenomenal honor that shows how a school our size can all work together and be so successful,” she said. “And not just one time—but multiple times.”

This is the fifth time CCA has received the AISA President’s Award. The school also received the award in 1994-95, 2001-02, 2003-04, and 2004-05.

Carpenter, who has been at the school since 1989, has served as its administrator since 2004. Roland Jones is CCA’s assistant administrator.