Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce gathered community leaders, educators, and business professionals on Wednesday for its April luncheon, a monthly event that blended networking with a celebration of character and service.
Held at the Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center and sponsored by Arrow Pest Control, the luncheon also featured the annual Prattville-Autauga Character Luminary Awards, a highlight that recognizes individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference through integrity, leadership, and compassion.
The program opened with an invocation from Eric Hill of Baptist Health, setting a reflective tone for the afternoon.
“Today is a big day for the chamber as well as the Character Coalition,” said Stacey Little, chairman-elect of the chamber’s board. “We are so grateful for our friends at Arrow Pest Control for sponsoring our luncheon today.”
For Arrow Pest Control, the sponsorship carried a sense of legacy. The company, a founding chamber member, has deep roots in the community.
“We started the business 60 years ago, next month,” said Vice President Terry Bowen. “My father started it, Marion, and it just kind of grew along, and the town grew. We want to do a good job for everybody. We want people who are customers to know that we appreciate them because if it weren’t for them, we would not be here.”
The awards ceremony followed, led by Little in his role as president of the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition. He emphasized the importance of character as a foundation for both personal and community success.
“Character is a necessary thing to be successful,” said Little. “It is knowing the difference between right and wrong, and doing that, even when the wrong thing is easier, it is an investment in the lives of our citizens. It is the expression of the decisions we make on a daily basis, even when no one is looking. It is a lifetime commitment, and it takes constant examination. It is the sum of who we are.”
April’s featured trait, positivity, underscored the afternoon’s theme, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong outlook even during challenges.
Several individuals and groups were recognized for embodying those values:
The Nelda Sorrells Educator of Character Award went to Kay Yarnell of Daniel Pratt Elementary School, honored for her daily example in the classroom.
The Student of Character Award was presented to Will McKay of Prattville High School, recognized for his integrity and commitment to positive values.
The Family of Character Award honored Kenneth and Amy Stewart and the Stewart family for their consistent demonstration of service and care for others.
The Organization of Character Award was presented to the Montgomery Cancer Center Prattville campus, recognized for its compassionate service to patients and families.
The Business of Character Award went to Realty Connection, noted for its leadership and commitment to uplifting others.
The Frank Lamar Citizen of Character Award was awarded to Elizabeth Gardner, recognized for her quiet but impactful dedication to helping others.
In addition to the awards, the Excellence in Character Scholarship Program distributed $10,500 among four students: Teagan Walker and Tucker Edfeldt of Prattville High School, Kayden Bland of Billingsley High School, and Elizabeth Woodfin of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.
“Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you again, Arrow Pest Control, for graciously allowing us to have our Luminary Awards program during the luncheon today,” said Little. “We are grateful and honored. Be on the lookout for our Champions of Character event coming in the next few months.”
As the luncheon concluded, the message was clear: while economic growth remains important, it is the everyday choices, grounded in integrity, service, and positivity, that continue to shape and strengthen the Prattville community.
