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Smiths Station Today
By the People, for the People
Lee County Fourth Grader Leads National Student Competition
Ashton Adams competes to be named America's Favorite Student and win $20,000 for his education.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:21pm
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A national student competition celebrates the academic achievements and creative talents of young learners like Ashton Adams.Smiths Station TodayA 9-year-old fourth grader at South Smiths Station Elementary in Lee County, Alabama, named Ashton Adams, is currently leading a national online contest to be named America's Favorite Student. Ashton has advanced to the top 10 finalists and is competing for a $20,000 prize to put towards his future education, as well as a chance to meet Bill Nye the Science Guy and appear in Reader's Digest.
Why it matters
This competition highlights the academic achievements and extracurricular talents of young students across the country, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially win life-changing prizes to support their educational goals. Ashton's success in the contest also brings positive attention to his local school district and community.
The details
Ashton Adams has already placed first in both the top 20 and top 15 rounds of the national student competition. He is currently holding the lead in the top 10 finalists round. If he wins the overall competition, Ashton will receive a $20,000 prize for his future education, meet Bill Nye the Science Guy, and appear in Reader's Digest.
- Ashton Adams advanced to the top 10 finalists round.
- The group finals round of the competition will begin on April 16, 2026.
The players
Ashton Adams
A 9-year-old fourth grader at South Smiths Station Elementary in Lee County, Alabama, who is currently leading a national online contest to be named America's Favorite Student.
Bill Nye
An American science communicator, television presenter, and mechanical engineer, who Ashton would have the opportunity to meet if he wins the overall competition.
What they’re saying
“It feels great to make it this far, a big shout out to my teachers who have made learning fun.”
— Ashton Adams, Fourth Grade Student
“I like to read my current favorite series right now is Dogman, I like to draw and play video games. I think people should vote for me because I can use the $20,000 for my future education so please vote for me.”
— Ashton Adams, Fourth Grade Student
What’s next
The next big push for Ashton will be the group finals round of the competition, starting on April 16, 2026.
The takeaway
Ashton's success in this national student competition demonstrates the academic excellence and well-rounded talents of young students in the Lee County school district. His story inspires others to pursue their educational dreams and showcases the positive impact that supportive teachers and communities can have on a student's development.
