Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition along with the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 8th annual Champions of Character fundraiser dinner at the Central Alabama Community College campus in Prattville. This year it was presented by International Paper.
The 2024 Prattville-Autauga Champion of Character Sean Dietrich, or as others affectionately know him as “Sean of the South,” was honored at Tuesday evening’s dinner. David Lewis, treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition stated Dietrich has demonstrated outstanding strength of character.
Dietrich is a writer, columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller who has his own podcast, Sean of the South, but his work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Reader’s Digest, local and national newspapers throughout the U.S.
Through Dietrich’s storytelling, he had the whole crowd laughing along with his story of how he became a writer, through adversity and through hardships. Prevailing through all to live his childhood dream of being a “real” writer.
The event signified a full circle for Dietrich, as he stopped his education in middle school. Years later, he tested into community college, after inspiration from a PhD coworker, both working the same position on a construction job site. The full circle moment, Dietrich pointed out, that he is now receiving an award for his extensive work as a writer and his outstanding character at a community college.
“They fed that test through this conveyor belt with all these blinking lights, then it spit out this receipt. She looked at this receipt tag. I stood there. She said, congratulations son, you’re in college, and that was the beginning. That was the beginning of my life,” Dietrich said.
Dietrich stated he walked across the stage in blue jeans and was able to receive a diploma because of the unwavering support of his wife. Dietrich stated that men in their 60’s were walking across that stage and it looked like they were getting their doctorate degree, and it was an associate of arts.
“On a college campus, on a community college campus, people are looking up, they are thinking about what’s next, and that was infectious. My first class was a creative writing class, and I sat next to a plumber, I sat next to a man in the military, and a Hooters waitress. We were all excited, and we were all happy to be there,” Dietrich said.
Dietrich’s outstanding character and humor have led him to be able to live his dream as a writer, and stated he is honored for the award.
The Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition is a nonprofit organization committed to teaching and promoting the importance of good character among residents, businesses, churches and schools in Autauga County.
The night was filled with joy as attendees enjoyed a silent auction sponsored by Central Access, a delicious dinner, and live music from The Playin’ Possums. All proceeds from this event will benefit local teacher grants and scholarships, supporting the future of our community.
