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Students from across the state were nominated for the Diamond Award by their teachers and administrators for displaying diligence, perseverance, sensitivity, and resiliency.
The selection committee is made up of board members from the Arkansas Association of Alternative Education Unit. Thirteen students were chosen for this award in the state of Arkansas. Student-focused education is the heartbeat of Alternative Education. These students selected as "Diamond Award" recipients, are true champions.
Third Grade student at Monticello Intermediate School, Jakobe Wilkerson, was nominated by Mrs. Crystal Grimes, the K-5 Alternative Education teacher at Monticello School District. Jakobe was the youngest recipient chosen this year.
On March 18, 2025, he was presented his award from the Arkansas Department of Alternative Education at the State Capitol in Little Rock.
"We are so proud of Jakobe. He has overcome obstacles at his young age and is a hard worker. We have had him in our program since October and he's showing tremendous growth. We are so proud that he was chosen for this award," Grimes said.
Jakobe is the son of Vernon Fisher and Vanessa Binns of Monticello.
