Pam Hunter named 2026 Gold Star Teacher at Autauga County center

Pam Hunter was named the 2026 Gold Star Teacher for the Autauga County Family Support Center, a recognition that shines a light on the free adult-education and family services many Autauga County residents rely on in downtown Prattville.

The center, at 113 W. Main St. next to City Hall and the police department, has operated since 1997 and serves as an adult education provider for the county. Its work reaches beyond classroom instruction. The Family Support Center offers GED classes, adult education, WorkKeys assessment testing, ESL classes, job assistance, parenting education, case management and other support services for people trying to finish school, qualify for better jobs or stabilize their families.

That mission is spelled out plainly by the center itself: to improve the quality of life for children and families in the River Region through education, advocacy and employment. In practical terms, that means helping adults earn a high school diploma or GED, preparing job seekers for the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certification and giving non-native English speakers a place to build language skills that can open doors at work and at home.

Hunter’s honor also reflects the scale of the network behind the center. Alabama Adult Education operates through more than 400 locations statewide, and more than 29,000 residents participated in adult education through Alabama’s community colleges last year. More than 5,000 GED and high school equivalency diplomas were awarded statewide, a reminder that the need for second-chance education remains strong even as employers continue to look for credentials and workforce readiness.

For Autauga County, the center fills a gap that does not show up in ceremonial language. It is one of the places where a parent can work toward a diploma, a job seeker can prepare for testing, and a family can find support without paying tuition. With Dr. Wade Brackins identified as the local adult education director, the center’s work sits inside a broader statewide system, but its impact is local and immediate for Prattville and the surrounding River Region. Hunter’s recognition points back to that daily work, and to the families whose futures depend on it.