Austin’s selection was announced during the school’s end-of-year ceremonies.

Billy Presson served as principal of Long Creek for 20 years and principal of Huntersville Elementary for more than 10 years. His family created the award to honor Presson’s memory and to salute students for outstanding effort and accomplishment in the classroom.

The award is designed to recognize a student who has made significant academic improvement during the school year while demonstrating strong character traits. Austin was chosen for the honor on the basis of his hard work and for the high standards he sets for himself. Teachers also noted Austin’s excellent behavior and citizenship and the overall improvement he has shown during the last three years of school.

“Ty’Leak is always willing to try, and he comes to school with a positive attitude,” says Erin Schultek, a fifth grade teacher at Long Creek. “He never gives up and he’s determined to succeed. We expect great things from him in the future.”

As this year’s honoree, Austin received a plaque and a bookstore gift certificate. His name was added to a plaque displayed at the school.