Parkside third grader Paxton Plourd won the Elks National Hoop Shoot Competition in the 8-9 Boys Division Saturday, April 26 in Chicago. Ploud shot a perfect 25/25 free throws.

“The Elks Hoop Shoot program is all about building character, perseverance, and leadership in young people,” said Jessica Atchley representative from the Cullman Elks Lodge. “Paxton exemplifies all of these qualities, and we could not be prouder to celebrate this moment with him and his family.”

Parkside School held a surprise celebration Monday, April 28 for the champion and the Cullman Elks Lodge will host a reception in his honor Thursday, May 9, at the Lodge, 1609 Brantley Avenue NW, Cullman. The reception will begin at 6 p.m. All Elks members, community supporters, friends and family are invited to attend. Dinner will be served, and there will be a short program recognizing Paxton’s accomplishment and the journey that led him to national success.

Plourd’s is only the third participant from Alabama to win a national championship in the competition’s history. Notably, two of those champions have come from Cullman.

For more information about the reception or the Elks Hoop Shoot program, contact Cullman Elks Lodge #1609 cullmanelks1609@gmail.com.