Liberty Elementary School has got spirit for the United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Faculty and staff were presented with the Spirit Stick award Wednesday afternoon by Jennifer Darsey, executive director of the United Way-Liberty branch for raising the most funds and for their support.

Darsey thanked the staff for doing a "wonderful" and "amazing" job.

The spirit stick award is specifically for the Liberty County School System, Darsey said.

"It’s for the school who has, not just the highest amount of fundraising for their group and staff but is amazing to work with, loves United Way," Darsey said, "supports the Backpack Buddy program throughout the year and we’re in constant communication. Liberty Elementary embodies that."

Ninety-two students at Liberty Elementary are part of United Way’s Backpack Buddy program.

Backpack Buddy serves over 500 local school children weekly with two nutritious meals and snacks, and costs $65 per child every year.