By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Prattville-Autauga Character Luminary Awards at its monthly luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the Marriott Legends.
The Character Luminary Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional character in their everyday lives, making meaningful contributions in areas like education and business. Their dedication to integrity and community helps strengthen and uplift those around them. Arrow Pest Control sponsored the event.
Owner of Arrow Pest Control, Terry Bowen, said the company opened in Prattville many years ago. And, as the population grew, so did the business.
“Our company is very grateful for Prattville,” Bowen said. “When we moved here, we opened this business, and only 6600 people lived here. Ten years later, 18,000 people lived here. We just grew along with this town.”
Today, the population is nearing 50,000.
Arrow Pest Control was named the 2025 Business of the Year during the awards ceremony for its outstanding service, strong community involvement, and commitment to excellence.
“I see a lot of people here who do business with us, and who are helpful in our business, so thank you very much,” Bowen continued.
To open the awards ceremony, Stacey Little, Vice President of the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition, said on behalf of himself and the Board of Directors, “I want to say how grateful we are that you all have joined us today for the 2025 Character Luminary Awards.”
He also expressed appreciation to the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Especially Patty VanderWal, the incredible Chamber staff, and members for the partnership and support,” Little said. “The Chamber has consistently played an important role in helping our coalition grow and reach more people in our community, so we are incredibly grateful for that.”
Little expressed gratitude to the coalition’s Board of Directors, who are all volunteers.
“We could not do this without them,” he said. “Character matters. It’s the difference between doing what’s right and doing what’s easy. It’s the quiet choices that we make when no one is watching. Character is the foundation of a strong community and the heart of true success. It’s not something that you just have, it’s something that you build, something you invest in, and something that you have to check in on every day. Character, essentially, is who we are,” Little said.
There was a strong emphasis on character in education, with support for local teachers and students.
“Because who you are is just as important as what you achieve,” Little continued.
Catherine Porter presented a very special honor to a long-time board member for her lasting dedication. The Coalition honored Nelda Sorrells by naming the Coalition’s annual Educator of Character Award in her honor.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to take a moment to recognize an individual whose contributions to the coalition have been more than I can quantify,” she said. “She has faithfully served on the Board for the coalition for more years than I can count. She has taken on countless roles and responsibilities throughout the time. She has led with boldness and conviction. Always guided by what is true, by what is right, and what is just,” Porter said when characterizing Sorrells.
Holly McNider kicked off the awards ceremony by presenting the first honor of the day—Jodi Womble received the Educator of Character Award, recognized for her dedication, integrity, and positive impact in the classroom and beyond.
“It is a great honor and heartfelt admiration that I present this year’s award to a woman whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of our school system,” McNider said of Womble.
The 2025 Student of Character Award went to Prattville High School’s Holt Stovall.
“This young man is not only a standout student at Prattville High School, he is a shining example of what it means to live with integrity, heart, and purpose,” Little said about Stovall.
David Lewis presented the 2025 Family of Character Award to the Autrey Family.
“This is one of the most heartfelt recognitions of our day today. This award is not about a single act of service; it’s about a lifestyle of kindness, commitment, and love poured out into the community. Today, we proudly recognize a family whose actions quietly and powerfully reflect the values of availability, generosity, and sincerity. A family that has become a cornerstone in the Pine Level Middle School community,” Lewis said of the Autrey Family.
Merrill Carroll presented the Organization of Character Award to One Community Outreach United.
“What sets this organization apart is its deep-rooted initiative. They don’t wait for change to come; they make it happen. They identify needs, and they act. From organizing food drives to leading health fairs, education workshops, and other vital community events. They seek every opportunity to serve as a call to action. And they answer that call with purpose. Their efforts are built on discipline. The kind that shows up day after day, even when work is hard, or the results often take time. Whether it is planning logistics, rallying volunteers, or following through with families in need. They model consistency, responsibility, and excellence in everything they do. But perhaps the most inspiring is their endurance,” Carroll said of the organization.
Meg Spires presented the Business of Character Award to Arrow Pest Control.
“This year’s recognition is reserved for a business whose values, actions, and legacy are reflective of the very best of who we are as a community. Today, we proudly honor a business that has been a pillar in our area for over 50 years. A name that carries not only the weight of experience but also the heart of service. There are three words that define this business: generosity, resilience, and wisdom,” Spires said of the longstanding pest control company.
Kaylyn Walker presented the 2025 Frank Lamar Citizen of Character Award to Commander Willie Rodgers.
“A man of dedication, loyalty, and ambition. Qualities not just spoken, but lived out day after day. This year’s recipient has served our nation with honor for over 40 years. And though his military service has officially concluded, his heart for others never clocked out,” Walker said about Rodgers.
Bella Thomas, Eli Smith, Anna Messic, Luke Archer, and Jamyracle Williams received the Excellence in Character Scholarships. The five scholarships combined totaled $10,500 that the Coalition gave to these area students for their dedication to character.
