Pike Liberal Arts School is celebrating its sixth consecutive Blue Ribbon distinction and also lamenting the resignation of its headmaster of eight years, Ceil Sikes.

Sikes has accepted the headmaster position at Evangel School in Montgomery. Her last day at PLAS will be May 30.

Maria Strother, chair of the PLAS board of directors, said Sikes has done a good job, worked hard and been devoted to the students and the school.

“Mrs. Sikes has always had the interest of the students and the school at heart,” Strother said. “We appreciate all of her hard work over the years. Pike Liberal Arts has enjoyed increased enrollment and maintained AISA Blue Ribbon status under Mrs. Sikes’ leadership. That is a positive factor for her and the school. Pike Liberal Arts is a better place for her having been here.”

While the board hates to lose Sikes, Strother said the board members all understand.

“This is a new opportunity for Mrs. Sikes. We wish her all the best but she will be missed at Pike Liberal Arts,” Strother said.

Sikes said the new opportunity for her had been on the table since January and the decision was given great consideration.

“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” she said. “When the Lord opens doors, you’d better pay attention. The Lord laid this opportunity on my heart. Evangel is a church sponsored, faith-based school. There is a sweet spirit about Evangel Academy. This is a new opportunity. I will be writing a new chapter in my life. I’m excited about it.”

Sikes said the students at PLAS will be fine.

“This place is in good shape. The school has an outstanding faculty and staff. What we have done over the last eight years will continue to benefit the students.”

Although Sikes will be working in Montgomery, Troy will still be home.

“My mother’s in Montgomery; my grandbaby’s in Enterprise. About 45 minutes each way so we’re not leaving Troy,” she said.

Six of the eight years that Sikes has been headmaster at PLAS, the school has achieved consecutive Blue Ribbon status.

That’s an accomplishment Sikes said belongs to the community as well as to the school.

“The Alabama Independent School Association’s Blue Ribbon distinction is certainly a community effort,” she said. “It’s an indication that our parents and community leaders believe in our mission, too.”

The AISA’s Blue Ribbon designation is validation that a school exemplifies excellence in teaching, student performance, school life and school and community interaction.

As a Blue Ribbon School, PLAS has been found by the AISA to have achieved a high level of excellence in the areas of student and teacher performance, plant and facilities, student life and community involvement.

“But Pike Liberal Arts is not resting on its laurels,” Sikes said. “The bar has been set high and the faculty, staff and students will continue to reach great heights. Pike Liberal Arts has a strong educational program in all aspects and will continue to devote its efforts to improving the quality of education it offers and preparing the students for the next phase in their lives.”