Alabama Students Lead the Way: Hemphill Elementary Named National Winner in ThriveWay’s Acts of Service Contest
FAIRHOPE, AL — ThriveWay proudly announces the winners of its 2025–2026 Acts of Service Contest, recognizing student-led initiatives that are transforming school culture across the country. This year’s contest received more than 90 submissions, with $5,000 in prize money awarded to help schools expand and strengthen their Peer Helpers PLUS programs.
Leading the way is Hemphill Elementary School (Birmingham City Schools), named the Overall Winner and recipient of a $1,000 prize for its powerful, student-created project, “Dangers of the Group Chat.”
At Hemphill Elementary, students tackled a real and relevant issue—gossip, exclusion, and peer pressure in group chats—by creating a video that spoke directly to their peers. Using relatable scenarios and authentic student voice, Peer Helpers modeled positive choices like respectful communication, standing up for others, and knowing when to disengage.
The results were immediate and impactful:
● A noticeable decrease in group chat-related conflicts
● Increased empathy and accountability among students
● More students seeking help and supporting one another
Peer Helpers extended their impact beyond the video through the Bison Besties program, building relationships with younger students, encouraging attendance, and fostering a stronger sense of belonging across campus.
“This wasn’t just a project—it was a cultural shift driven by students,” said Allison Moore, Co-Founder and President of ThriveWay. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the level of investment, compassion, and positive energy students are bringing to their schools. What started here in Alabama is now spreading across the country—from Mississippi to Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, and California—and the impact continues to grow.”
The Peer Helpers PLUS program, created by ThriveWay, is an evidence-based, peer-to-peer prevention and support program that equips students to recognize when a classmate is struggling, respond with compassion, and connect them to help.
What began in Alabama has grown into a national movement—empowering students to lead, support one another, and create safer, more connected school environments.
In addition to the overall winner, several schools were recognized as category winners, each receiving $500 to further enhance their programs:
● Be the Good (K–6) – Wrights Mill Road Elementary (Auburn City Schools)
First-year program created stronger friendships, school-wide positivity, and even included a life-saving moment.
● Be the Good (7–12) – University Charter School
A Peer Helper shared how the program shaped her growth, leadership, and ability to support others.
● Creative P.A.T.H. (7–12) – Cleburne County Middle School
Students turned a mental health assembly into lasting action—checking in on peers and building a culture of hope.
● Lend a Hand (K–6) – Providence Elementary (Huntsville City Schools)
Peer mentoring and daily encouragement created a more inclusive environment and improved attendance.
● Lend a Hand (7–12) – Albertville High School (Albertville City Schools)
Students supported a classmate through language barriers, health challenges, and personal hardship—changing his entire school experience.
● Show the Way (K–6) – Andalusia Elementary (Andalusia City Schools)
“Swag Bags” welcomed new students with supplies, encouragement, and immediate peer connection.
● Show the Way (7–12) – Russellville High School (Russellville City Schools)
A student-led mental health campaign broke stigma and encouraged peers to seek help and support one another.
Each winning initiative showcased how students are actively improving school climate—through mentoring, mental health awareness campaigns, peer support, and creative, school-wide engagement efforts.
At a time when schools are facing increasing challenges related to mental health and student connection, Peer Helpers PLUS is proving that one of the most effective solutions is already inside the building: students themselves.
Through the Acts of Service Contest, ThriveWay continues to spotlight the measurable difference students can make when they are trained, trusted, and empowered to lead.
For more information about the Acts of Service Contest, Peer Helpers PLUS program, or implementation in schools, please contact ThriveWay (www.thriveway.com) or reach out directly to any school currently implementing the program to learn more about their experience and impact.