Alabama Ledger www.AlabamaLedger.com The Sports Ledger www.TheSportsLedger.com Image Matters Endowed Scholarship PAGE 3 March 2026 E-Edition
The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has announced the establishment of a newly endowed scholarship to support students enrolled in the Radiography Program at Gadsden State Community College. The Image Matters Endowed Scholarship, created through a generous gift from local community leader Esta Spector, will provide ongoing financial assistance to radiography students for generations to come. Through the endowment model, the principal gift will remain invested, with annual earnings awarded as scholarships to eligible students. “This scholarship represents more than financial assistance — it represents opportunity,” said Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations for the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation. “For many of our students, especially first-generation college students and returning adult learners, a scholarship can be the deciding factor between putting their education on hold and stepping confidently into their future.” Radiography students at Gadsden State prepare for in-demand careers in medical imaging, serving hospitals, clinics and health care facilities throughout the region. Many students balance rigorous coursework and clinical requirements while managing work and family responsibilities. First-generation college students often navigate
higher education without the benefit of family experience or financial safety nets. Scholarships help ease financial burdens while providing encouragement and validation that academic and career goals are achievable. For returning adult learners — many of whom are reskilling, changing careers or supporting families — scholarship support can help maintain momentum toward a new professional pathway. “Investing in students is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our community,” Spector said. “I am honored to support radiography students who will go on to serve others in health care settings. I hope this endowment helps remove barriers and open doors.” Endowed scholarships provide long-term impact because they continue generating support year after year. Unlike one-time gifts, an endowment creates a lasting legacy, ensuring future generations of students benefit from donor generosity. The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation advances the mission of the college by securing private support for scholarships, academic programs and capital initiatives. Through the generosity of donors such as Spector, the foundation continues expanding access to education and workforce training opportunities throughout Gadsden and across Alabama. For more information about the Cardinal Foundation, visit cardinalfoundation.org.
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Pictured from left, Hillary Folsom, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at Gadsden State Community College, and Ms. Esta Spector.
Photos by Susan Armstrong, Alabama Ledger
The Albertville Chamber of Commerce held its 71st Annual ELEVATE Awards Banquet at Sand Mountain Park on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Several awards were given out during the event. The Industry of the Year was Paragon (left) and the Citizen of the Year was Linda Henry (right). Other awards include: Albertville Home Bakery (1-10 Employee Business of the Year), Stach (10-50 Employee Business of the Year), Sante Fe (50-100 Employee Business of the Year), and Alabama Comfort Controls (Emerging Business of the Year). The 2026 Ambassador of the Year was Rachel Constantine. 71st Annual Business Awards Banquet
Governor Ivey Highlights National Teacher of the Year Nominee Katie Collins
Protecting Children Online
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is encouraging parents, caregivers, educators and communities to take proactive steps to help keep children safe online as technology continues to play a growing role in everyday life. From gaming platforms and social media to messaging apps and streaming services, children are spending more time connected than ever before. While these tools can offer learning and social benefits, they can also expose young users to risks such as exploitation, inappropriate contact and other technology-facilitated crimes. ALEA recommends the following online safety tips to help protect children: • Keep communication open. Talk regularly with children about their online activity and encourage them to report anything that makes them uncomfortable. • Use parental controls and privacy settings. Review and adjust settings on apps, devices, and gaming platforms. • Monitor online interactions. Be aware of who children are communicating with and what platforms they are using. Pay particular attention to apps and sites that feature end to-end encryption, direct messaging, video chats, file uploads and user anonymity, which are frequently relied upon by online child predators. • Avoid sharing personal information. Teach children not to share names, locations, school details, or photos with strangers online. • Report suspicious behavior immediately. Early reporting can prevent further harm and help protect other children. While online threats may seem distant or abstract, law enforcement in Alabama investigates these crimes every day. Through the State Bureau of Investigation’s (SBI) Special Victims Unit, ALEA aggressively works to identify and apprehend individuals who exploit technology to harm children and engage in human trafficking. This includes the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which brings together local law enforcement agencies across the state to investigate and prosecute these offenses. During Fiscal Year 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025) alone, the Special Victims Unit: • Opened 1,887 investigations • Executed 908 search warrants • Received 14,952 cyber tips • Served 4,328 subpoenas • Made 661 arrests “These numbers reflect not only the scope of the problem, but the commitment of investigators across Alabama who work tirelessly to protect children and bring offenders to justice,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Every investigation represents a child who needed help and a partnership that made a difference.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recognized National Teacher of the Year nominee Katie Collins during the recent Public Schools Week. The Governor also touted the state’s efforts to increase educator pay. “As a former teacher, I have a special appreciation for those who educate our next generations. Bluff Park Elementary’s Katie Collins represents the very best of Alabama classrooms, and I could not be prouder to see her showcasing our state on the national stage,” said Governor Ivey. “In Alabama, we support our teachers – and that includes meaningful pay raises and stronger benefits. When we invest in our teachers, we invest in our students – and when our students succeed, Alabama succeeds.” Katie Collins became Alabama’s Teacher of the Year in 2025 and was selected as one of five finalists from states across the nation for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year Award. Collins is a first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover and has been teaching for 21 years. Next month, she will represent Alabama in Washington, D.C. and interview with the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. There has never been a better time for education in Alabama. Governor Ivey believes Collins is the right teacher at the right time to receive this year’s prestigious honor. "It is a profound honor to represent Alabama educators both statewide and on the national stage. Traveling across Alabama this year has allowed me to see firsthand the extraordinary innovation, deep care and relentless determination in our schools,” said Katie Collins. “Every milestone that our students reach is powered by the passion and persistence of Alabama educators. Thank you Governor Ivey for championing education in our state." Throughout Governor Ivey’s tenure, she has made education her number one priority, and her efforts very much include Alabama’s teachers. Each year in Office, she has proposed raising teacher pay by at least 2%. Including the additional 2% proposed for the upcoming fiscal year, Governor Ivey will have increased educator’s pay 18.5% since taking office. Beyond a base salary increase, Governor Ivey has focused on improving the quality of life for Alabama’s teachers. Just last year, she signed the Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025, which gives up to eight weeks of paid parental leave. The governor also laid out the goal of having the highest starting salary for teachers among the neighboring states. Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature revamped the salary matrix to include mid-career and long-term teachers with the ability to receive yearly
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Katie Collins
salary increases instead of every three years. Governor Ivey introduced stipends for hard-to-staff schools and for certified academic language therapists, special education teachers and speech pathologists. “We are proud to have Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Katie Collins, represent our state and our educators as a National Teacher of the Year finalist! This well- deserved recognition highlights Mrs. Collins’ dedication and the impact she has on students every day. Her passion for students and commitment to excellence truly represent the best of Alabama education,” said State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey. “I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Governor Ivey for her leadership and continued commitment to our educators and state.” Governor Ivey remains committed to supporting and championing Alabama’s educators.
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