Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 42nd Annual Farm City Banquet, Nov. 20, 2025, at the R.H. Kirkpatrick Arena in Autaugaville.
The Farm City Banquet is the highlight of Farm City Week, a week-long event from Nov. 21-27, celebrating the distinct differences between farm and city life and recognizing the county’s business and agricultural success. Each banquet includes award presentations for those who made an impact throughout the year.
Lisa Miller, manager of external affairs for Energy Southeast, was presented with the Business Leader of the Year Award for her work in strategic communications and marketing efforts throughout Autauga County and across Alabama.
“No matter what she is committed to doing, she can be counted on to be totally present and engaged, giving her best effort,” said David Louis, presenter. “She’s not just been a passive observer of what has occurred but has so often had her sleeves rolled up, being an integral part of so many groups who have made our county and cities a better place for everyone.”
Collier Hunt, former principal at Billingsley School and Pine Level Elementary, was presented with the Farmer of the Year Award for his work in the hay industry.
“Farming has always been a part of his life, helping his father and uncle care for hogs and cattle growing up and starting his own hay farm back in 1999,” said the presenter. “Through decades of service in education and farming and faith, he continues to help and inspire others.”
To help inspire the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders, the Farm City Banquet also featured poster, video, and essay contests for local students.
Poster winners include:
Grades K – 3rd
Hailey Jinright – 1st place, Autauga Academy, Teacher: Ms. Marolyn Robbins
Madeline Matthews – 2nd place, Autauga Academy Teacher: Ms. Marolyn Robbins
Grades 4th – 6th
Emily Dillard – 1st place, Prattville Intermediate School Teacher: Ms. Julie Johnson
Eilliette McLaughlin – 2nd place, Prattville Intermediate Teacher: Ms. Ayana McQueen
Essay contest winners include:
Grades 7th – 9th
Cheyanne Johnson- 1st place, Billingsley High School Teacher: Mr. Logan Strock
Hunter Gibbons- 2nd place, Billingsley High School Teacher: Mr. Logan Strock
Grades 10th – 12th
Adriana Rasberry- 1st place, Billingsley High School Teacher: Mr. Logan Strock
Colton Lawrence- 2nd place, Billingsley High School Teacher: Mr. Logan Strock
Video contest winner:
Kayden Bland –Billingsley High School, Teacher: Logan Stock
This year’s banquet celebrated not only the accomplishments of established leaders but also the creativity and promise of the students who will shape the future of agriculture. As Farm City Week wraps up, Autauga County continues to honor the people and partnerships that keep its rural and urban communities thriving together.
