Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
At just 9 years old, Prattville Elementary School student Ridley Lawhorn is proving that hard work, resilience, and a love for learning can add up to something extraordinary.
Ridley was recently recognized at his school, as a National Math Star, an honor awarded to students who score in the top 2% on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) math assessment. The recognition made possible through a partnership between the Alabama State Department of Education, the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative and National Math Stars, highlights some of the state’s highest-achieving young learners.
For Ridley, the moment came as a complete surprise.
“I was very shocked, actually speechless,” he said. “I did not know I would score that high, and it just blew my whole mind in a good way.”
While math comes naturally to him most of the time, Ridley describes it as more than just numbers.
“I think of it like solving puzzles, memory games, Legos and stuff,” he said. “It is not always fun, but we all need it and use it every day.”
His achievement is even more meaningful to his family because it did not come without challenges. His mother, Sidney Cothron, said this school year tested him in new ways.
“Seeing his hard work recognized like that meant everything,” Cothron said. “This is the first year he has had some challenges with math, so watching him push through that and still achieve something like this makes it even more meaningful.”
Cothron said she first noticed her son’s academic strengths at an early age, but their focus at home has always been on fostering confidence and curiosity.
“We keep learning positive and part of everyday life,” she said. “We support his curiosity, celebrate his effort, and always encourage him. Most importantly, we just want him to enjoy learning and feel confident in himself.”
Ridley is quick to credit the people around him for helping him succeed, including his parents, teachers, extended family and even his younger sister.
“My uncle James, my Papa, my parents Sidney and Andrew, my teachers Mrs. Marks, Mrs. Maddox, Mrs. Dunn, and my sister Leah have helped me all equally,” he said. “They support me by loving me but also take time out of their busy schedules to sit down with me to do extra practice work to help me improve my grades.”
His advice to other students is simple and grounded in experience.
“Listen to your teachers and parents, be patient and ask questions,” Ridley said. “You are going to make mistakes, everyone does, but if you do not learn from them, you cannot improve.”
Beyond the classroom, Cothron said the recognition has resonated throughout their family and community.
“It is something everyone can feel proud of and celebrate together,” she said. “It is a reminder that kids can do amazing things.”
As Ridley continues his academic journey, his mother hopes he holds on to what matters most.
“I want him to keep growing, stay confident and follow what he is passionate about,” she said. “Most importantly, I want him to always know he is loved and never lose his sense of humor, his huge heart, and his kindness.”
At Prattville Elementary, Ridley’s accomplishment is more than a personal milestone, it is a bright example of what dedication, support and a strong community can achieve together.
