DEMOPOLIS &8212; Dr. Tony Speegle, principal at U.S. Jones Elementary, has one more reason to be proud this week after being recognized with an award on the statewide level.

At the Alabama Community Education Association conference in Point Clear, Speegle was nominated for and then recognized as the Southern Regional Principal of the Year.

Speegle said he was very appreciative of the recognition, but that the honor is in part due to those he works with. He first became involved in the group several years ago after attending a conference to see U.S. Jones counselor Carolyn Moore be inducted.

Although this organization may not get as much attention in this area as it does in others, across the state it is considered a very prestigious group that awards very distinguished honors, Speegle said.

In addition to providing funds for school programs such as the 21st Century after school program, Community Education works to expand student opportunities by bringing in new equipment such as computers.

Speegle&8217;s award was presented at the conference, where more than 280 educators,

administrators and 21st Century grantees were in attendance. The featured speaker for the conference was Craig Pouncey, assistant state superintendent of Education-Administrative and Financial Services.