BAY MINETTE — In their third year of the “Show Me Character” program Pinegrove School recently recognized the hard work of students and faculty.

The RAP program, which stands for Recognizing Awesome People, included several guest speakers, an awards presentation, RAP celebration songs by the students and most notably a performance by principal Martha Rabon, Jim Coats and their backup “faculty” singers.

State Rep. Alan Baker was on hand to let the students and guests know about an award of $2,000 the state awarded the school for achievement.

Baker serves 19 public school facilities across two-county District 66, consisting of Baldwin and Escambia counties. The four Baldwin County schools in his district are Pine Grove Elementary, Loxley Elementary, Stapleton Elementary, and Perdido Elementary/Middle School.

“My intentions are to tap into any state monies made available through the Community Service Grants and inject these funds directly back into our local schools,” Baker said. "Pine Grove is an exemplary school that is most deserving to be awarded these additional funds for instructional enhancement.

“I am delighted to present Principal Martha Rabon on behalf of Pine Grove Elementary School this check as she and her staff enthusiastically promote and provide their students with such a positive educational experience."

Awards were given for students of the month, outstanding band students, K-3 DIBELS Benchmark students and top scoring students on ARMT/SAT in grades 3-6.

Rabon and Coats showed off some pretty fancy footwork lip-syncing and dancing to the Aretha Franklin song “Respect”. Part of the student’s curriculum teaches what Rabon calls the three R’s — responsible, resourceful and respectful.

The crowd went wild over the Nursery Rhyme Rap preformed by Linda McBrides Pre-K class. Students dressed in costumes showed the older students a thing or two about rhythm.

PTO president Janet Carraway played the piano and sang “Amazing Grace” with the help of students and guests.