Riley Delivers "Pre-K Champion" Awards MONTGOMERY, AL (APR - Alabama Public Radio ) - Several Alabama groups are being praised for their support of pre-kindergarten education.

Gov. Bob Riley honored Pre-K advocates Wednesday by presenting them with the Pre-K Champion Award that is given each year by the national nonprofit group Pre-K Now.

The award is given to organizations that demonstrate outstanding advocacy and success in moving toward voluntary, high-quality Pre-K.

The Alabama Office of School Readiness received the award along with advocacy organizations including VOICES for Alabama's Children, the Alabama Partnership for Children, A+ Education Foundation, Alabama Giving and the Alabama School Readiness Alliance.

The Legislature approved doubling Alabama's Pre-K funding to $20 million in the 2008 session. The increase allows an additional 1,800 four-year-olds to enroll in the program next school year.

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