State of Education Forum Brings Together Schools, Higher Education and Student Perspectives

The Chamber’s annual State of Education Forum was held on November 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. A highlight of the event was the student panel, where they shared firsthand insights on their education and how career-readiness programs are shaping their goals for the future.

Panelists included Decatur City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Douglas, Morgan County Schools Superintendent Tracie Turrentine, Hartselle City Schools Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland, Calhoun Community College Vice President of Student Affairs Kassie Mathis, Athens State University President Dr. Catherine Wehlburg, Career Academies of Decatur student Jon David Calame, Hartselle High School student Blaine Johnson, West Morgan High School student Evelyn Gutierrez, Athens State University student Tatiana Haney and Calhoun Community College student Stephanie Cordero.

Thank you to our moderator Scott Mayo, Executive Director of the Cook Museum of Natural Science, our presenting sponsor Pepsi Cola Decatur, LLC and our gold sponsors the Alabama Education Association and Ascend Performance Materials.