Selected for the inaugural class of Leaders to Legends, forty juniors from Tuscaloosa City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County School System will participate in this innovative program, which aims to empower students to become changemakers in their schools and communities.

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On Thursday, September 11, the Leaders to Legends program will launch as a collaboration between The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and The University of Alabama. Students will take part in monthly hands-on sessions that explore Tuscaloosa’s economic, social, historical, and political landscape.

“Built around three pillars, the program will focus on character development, career pathways, and community outreach,” according to the press release. “Community leaders will mentor the students, who will participate in character-building activities and service projects.”

As the successor to the Tuscaloosa Forerunners program, Leaders to Legends introduces a new approach to student leadership development that is hosted by The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

The program also collaborates with The University of Alabama’s Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, the Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association, and the Tuscaloosa City and County school systems.

Leaders to Legends 2025-26 Participants

Jaylen Bradley

Maya Conley

Kadyn Delaine

Brady Diltz

Areli Dominguez Juarez

Katelyn Eldridge

Brooklyn Elmore

Emily Ervin

Dorothy Ferry

Gracie Gill

Annalise Hammond

Brody Harbin

Olivia Harris

Magen Hendrix

Cooper Hood

William Lane Horner

Ariq Isyraqi

Markhia Ivory

Avery Jones

Piper Jones

Aleaha Knox

Koty Lard

Yamilet Martinez

Jaden McKinney

Michael Moore Jr.

Brooke Page

Kennedy Powell

Omauri Raybon

Josalyn Ramirez Lopez

Benjamin Riches

Aeva Rotenberry-Abel

Kenza Salman

Claudia Sanchez-Contreras

Madyson Smith

Cooper Stripling

Bristol Summerford

Aliya Thakor

Maelyn Tinker

Elsa Totenhagen

Karson Tucker

Community 411 News Coverage

Have a community event coming up? We’d love to help spread the word!

The Tuscaloosa Thread and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio stations welcome press releases for possible coverage in our “Community 411” news coverage.

To be considered, events should be either free to the public or fundraisers that benefit the community. Sharing your event with us is a great way to reach more people across Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, encouraging their participation and support.

We are excited to help highlight the positive work happening in our area and to support community programs together, making a meaningful impact.

How to Submit Your Press Release

Send your press release to TuscaloosaPSA@townsquaremedia.com at least two weeks (or earlier) before your event.

Mary K.