ELBERTA, Ala. — When St. Benedict Catholic School opened in 1921, Lawrence Krauss entered first grade. This year his daughter, Barbara Krauss Carter received the Annual Benedictine Council Appreciation Award. It is given to graduates of the school for distinguished service to the community.

Carter is an alumna of the school that was originally opened by Benedictine nuns. She taught third grade for 21 years, 10 as Assistant Principal. She now serves as Intervention Specialist at the school, helping with Math and Reading in the Title I program. She works closely with the teachers in analyzing the needs of the students.

"Barbara goes above and beyond," says Principal Jaivi Howell. "She is a valued member of the staff."

In her remarks after the award presentation, Carter said she had served with five different principals with different leadership styles. One thing never changed, she said. "They never wavered from Catholic values."

In addition to her work at the school, Carter is involved in many activities at St. Bartholomew Catholic church and is the CCD Coordinator there.

The Krauss family tradition continues at St. Benedict School as Barbara's children are graduates and her grandchildren are now enrolled.