By Mary Wilson

Cascading cheers and thunderous applause of more than 500 third and fourth graders could easily drown out the sound of a revving, 310-horsepower engine.

At least, they could May 17.

That day, the uproarious student body and staff of Airport Road Intermediate School celebrated one of their own — fourth grade teacher Deborah Stringfellow — as she received that 310-horsepower engine wrapped in a new Chevrolet Traverse. She will use the vehicle during her reign as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year. 

Stringfellow accepted the gift from Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell during a special presentation and press conference at the Elmore County school.

“As the school year comes to an end, I have enjoyed preparing my students for the road ahead,” Stringfellow said. “Today, I am most grateful for the generosity of Alfa and the Farmers Federation as they prepare me for the road ahead as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year. I can’t wait to travel the state as I represent Alabama teachers throughout the academic year.”

This marks the 28th year Alfa has provided the year’s use of a new vehicle to Alabama’s Teacher of the Year while the Alabama Farmers Federation covered the cost of insurance. 

“Teachers impact so many lives. I think all of us can probably think back to our school days and remember a teacher or two who was very important to us,” Parnell said. “As a Montgomery-based company, we were excited to learn this year’s Teacher of the Year is from the River Region. On behalf of everyone at Alfa and the Federation, I am pleased to offer the use of this vehicle to Ms. Stringfellow as she travels throughout the state this coming year.” 

Parnell said Alfa appreciates all teachers and offers discounted rates to those in the profession, as well as military service members, ministers and first responders.

The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program is administered through the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), which received 155 applications for the 2024-2025 award. 

“Deborah Stringfellow clearly represents the high level of professionalism that exists in our education community,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “She exemplifies classroom excellence, and we are proud of her continued commitment to advancing student achievement and academic growth.”

As the Teacher of the Year, Stringfellow will take to the streets in the new vehicle while serving as a full-time ambassador for education during the 2024-2025 academic year. She will present workshops, attend meetings and advocate for the profession. Stringfellow is also Alabama’s official nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.

“What an honor it is to have a hand in the development of our nation’s most precious resources — students and teachers,” Stringfellow said. “I welcome the opportunity to impact a wider spectrum of teachers and students, and I look forward to each future speaking engagement as I strive to inspire others while celebrating the greatness of the teaching profession.”