Gov. Kay Ivey receives Lifetime Champion of Children Award
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – Gov. Kay Ivey has received the first Lifetime Champion for Children Award during the 2026 Children’s Policy Council Conference in Montgomery.
The 11th conference was held at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa in Montgomery. Organizers say Gov. Ivey has made improving Alabama students’ education her top priority, and because of her efforts, they say children across the state are achieving great success and making historic progress.
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks presented the governor with the award.
“Your teamwork means everything to Alabama children,” Gov. Ivey said. “Progress has been achieved in elevating the quality of life of Alabama children, from improvements to parental employment to rising elementary test scores in reading and math to lower student absenteeism to higher graduation rates, Alabama‘s young people are on a better path.”
State School Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey says he’s very proud that the Children’s Policy Council is recognizing the governor for the really good work that she has done and pushing forward children’s issues across the state.
“There is no question she is the most deserving person for this first-ever award for a lifetime achievement, and she’s done more for children in this state than probably anybody before her in this state and I’m very proud to see that for her,” Mackey said.
