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CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT PRESENTS THE “PRE-K CHAMPION AWARD” TO TWO ALABAMA EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt today presented the Alabama Pre-K Champion award to the Alabama School Readiness Alliance, represented by Linda Tilly and Brittany Winfree, and to the Alabama Office of School Readiness, represented by Marquita Davis and Trellis Smith for outstanding leadership on pre-kindergarten policies and the success achieved through their effective campaign for quality early education.

Pre-K Now is a Washington D.C.-based public education and advocacy organization and today’s award presentation took place at the US Capitol. As a result of the Alabama organizations’ tireless efforts to mobilize a broad coalition of state leaders and educate policymakers about pre-k, both the governor and state legislature approved substantial increases for Alabama pre-k this year.  This increase will allow the pre-k program to add more than 1,100 students across the state, expanding from 2,250 students to 3,384.

“Thanks to folks like Linda and Marquita, Brittany and Trellis, Alabama has a reputation for high-quality pre-k programs and our children have a brighter future,” said Congressman Aderholt.  “Because of their work, and the work of their colleagues in the Alabama School Readiness Alliance and the Alabama Office of School Readiness, children in our state are getting the strong start to success that all children deserve.”

As part of their strategic effort, Alabama School Readiness Alliance has wisely worked to build grassroots support for pre-k and broaden their statewide membership reaching out to key groups including the Alabama Faith Council, the Rotary Club of Birmingham and the Alabama chapters of the AARP, PTA, American Academy of Pediatrics and United Way to effectively engage them in the pre-k effort.

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