Chamber Celebrates Adopt-A-School Partnerships at Annual Kickoff
July 31, 2026
More than 400 business and education leaders attended the Adopt-A-School Kickoff, presented by Children & Teen Dental of Alabama and Boostr Digital Displays and hosted by The University of Alabama, on Thursday, July 30, at Bryant Conference Center.
Hosted by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the event marked the beginning of the 2026-27 Adopt-A-School program year and celebrated the strong partnerships between local schools and the business community that continue to make a lasting impact on students across West Alabama.
The program featured a panel discussion moderated by Anwar Aiken, Education Vice Chair of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Board of Directors and co-owner of The Grand Event Design and Decor. Panelists included Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools; Christina Carroll, Executive Assistant and Adopt-A-School Coordinator for Northport Medical Center – DCH; Ginger Martz, Teacher and Adopt-A-School Coordinator at Tuscaloosa County High School; and Madge Moore, Community Partnership Director for Phifer Incorporated and Adopt-A-School Coordinator. Together, they shared insights on building successful school-business partnerships, preparing students for future careers and strengthening workforce development throughout the region.
As part of the program, The Chamber recognized several Adopt-A-School partners for their years of dedication to supporting local schools and students.
Receiving the Decade of Excellence Award was Perfect Shine, Inc. and Lloyd Wood Education Center in recognition of 10 years of partnership.
The 30-Year Awards were presented to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Martin L. King Jr. Elementary School for their three decades of commitment to the Adopt-A-School program.
Receiving 40-Year Awards for partnerships that have been part of the program since nearly its beginning were Warrior Met Coal and Brookwood High School, The Junior League of Tuscaloosa, and Stillman College.
For more information about the Adopt-A-School Program or to get involved, contact Carolyn Tubbs at carolyn@westalabamachamber.com or visit westalabamachamber.com/AAS.
Photo: 2026 Adopt-A-School Kickoff | Source: The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama