COLUMBIANA, AL — Two Alabaster City Schools students and an educator recently shared their perspectives on education and the future during the annual State of Our Schools Throughout Shelby County luncheon, hosted by The Shelby County Chamber in Columbiana on October 1.
The event brought together educators, business leaders, and community members to discuss education across Shelby County, including efforts to prepare students for college, careers, and the workforce.
Each school system in Shelby County was represented at the luncheon with a showcase video highlighting its schools, students, programs, and accomplishments.
Alabaster City Schools was represented on the panel by Thompson Intermediate School fifth-grader Tiauna Edwards, Thompson High School senior Anna Kate Lawley, and secondary ESL Coach Amanda Rodriguez.
Finding a Passion Through Art
Edwards participated in the elementary student panel, where she discussed her interest in pursuing a career in fashion.
For Edwards, that interest has been encouraged through her experiences in the classroom, particularly in art.
“I feel like, when we do art at school, I feel like my creativity always goes to fashion and I feel like that’s what my mind adapts to more,” Edwards said.
Her experience demonstrates how students can begin identifying their interests and potential career paths at an early age.
A Future in Education
Lawley, who represented Thompson High School's senior class, is preparing for her own next step after graduation.
She plans to attend the University of Alabama through the Teach in Bama Scholarship, with the goal of eventually returning to Alabaster City Schools as a teacher.
For Lawley, the path forward includes not only pursuing a college degree, but bringing what she learns back to the community where she was educated.
An Educator's Perspective
Rodriguez, a secondary ESL coach with ACS, joined the educator panel to share her perspective on the role schools play in supporting students and preparing them for their futures.
Her participation provided an educator’s viewpoint alongside the student voices represented by Edwards and Lawley, highlighting the successful EL work taking place in classrooms and schools across the district.
Recognizing Leadership
The luncheon also recognized the superintendents of Shelby County's school systems for their leadership, including ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers.
Vickers said the annual event offers an opportunity to celebrate the work happening across the county and the importance of collaboration among school systems and their communities.
“We are fortunate to have strong partnerships throughout our community that support our students and educators,” Vickers said. “Events like this give us an opportunity to highlight the great things happening in our schools and to continue working together to prepare students for whatever comes next.”
Preparing Students for The Future
The luncheon highlighted the importance of partnerships among schools, local businesses, and the community in preparing students for life after graduation.
Alabaster City Schools works with The Shelby County Chamber’s Career Readiness Work Group on efforts designed to connect students with opportunities and experiences beyond K12.
The showcase videos presented by each school system also provided attendees with a look at the programs, people, and opportunities that make each district unique. View the 2026 ACS State of Our Schools video.
The annual State of Our Schools Throughout Shelby County luncheon is hosted by The Shelby County Chamber and brings together education, business, and community leaders from across the county. The event provides an opportunity to highlight the work taking place in Shelby County’s school systems, celebrate student and educator achievements, and strengthen partnerships focused on preparing students for success in college, careers, and the workforce.
Visit https://shelbychamber.org/ to learn more.
*Partially adapted from the Shelby County Reporter