The United States Achievement Academy recently announced that Elizabeth Lauren Perry of Winder has been named a United States National Leadership and Service award winner. Elizabeth is the daughter of Bob and Cindy Perry and the granddaughter of Jim and Betty Cohron of Winder. She attends Russell Middle School where she is a cheerleader, a peer mediator, a school ambassador, a member of the Beta Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the symphonic band.

The award is a prestigious honor very few students can ever hope to attain. The Academy recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students. Elizabeth will appear in the United States Achievement Academy official yearbook which is published nationally.

"Recognizing and supporting our youth is more important than ever before in America’s history," said Dr. George Stevens, founder of the United States Achievement Academy. "These young people should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievement."

The Academy selects USAA winners upon the exclusive recommendation of teachers, coaches, counselors and other qualified sponsors and upon the standards of selection set forth by the Academy. The criteria for selection are a student’s academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability and recommendation from a teacher or director.