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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster City Council recognized the residents who completed the city’s third annual Government Academy during a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 10.

Over the last several months, members of the Alabaster Government Academy had the opportunity to learn about what it takes to keep the city running. City Manager Brian Binzer and Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner presented the graduates of the program with certificates during the meeting in honor of their diligent attendance and participation.

“Thank you for the opportunity, thank you for the insight, for having this program,” said Erica Lamar-Coney, an academy participant. “I’ve only been here eight years, but I learned a lot. I will say that every department we went to was super friendly. Every department here was very excited about what they do… Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about where I live, where my kids are being raised and thank you for having us.”

The third edition of the Alabaster Government Academy began on Sept. 12, 2024 with its largest class yet and featured two lessons each month until its conclusion in February.

“It’s really been awesome,” said Neal Wagner, Alabaster’s public relations manager. “We’ve had a lot of people participate this year.”

In addition to being a way for the public officials to connect with residents, the annual government academy also allows the city to train up residents who might be willing to serve their neighbors. This year’s edition of the academy saw 43 citizens participate in the program.

“We’re real pleased with their dedication,” Binzer said. “They are folks that we hope, maybe in the future, we can tap to volunteer their time for the city since they know so much about Alabaster now.”

The very first edition of the academy started in 2022, and initially came about thanks to the efforts of Wagner as well as Binzer.

The class allows participants the chance to tour various city facilities, speak with employees and department heads and learn how Alabaster provides services to its residents and businesses.

“We really appreciate the time they’ve given to the city to learn about things and be good citizens,” Binzer said.

The following individuals graduated from the 2024-2025 Alabaster Government Academy:

• Amy Watts
• Lee Belle
• Jim Taylor
• Rene Cooner
• Erica Coney
• Angel Evans
• Gabe Evans
• Monica Warren
• Barika Hamilton
• Marcus Kelly
• Isola Kelly
• Otha Richardson
• David Henderson
• Joey Motes
• Mylana Motes
• Gregory Williams
• Cassie Davis
• Susan Alexander
• Nathan Renew
• Steve Bottchen
• Jared Clark
• Daniel Elliott
• Autumn Moore
• Leah Bond
• Faireca Anderson
• Dusty Wade
• Cameal Jackson
• Robin Anderton
• Harold Jackson
• Nancy Runyan
• Tanya Smith
• Charlene Garrett
• Milly Stewart
• Jerry Smith
• Megan Woodard
• Donnette Parks
• Roger Benson
• Cindy Benson
• Michael Parks
• Tina Campbell
• Dan Campbell
• Lindsay Todhunter
• Walter Williams

“I’m really thankful for everyone who took part in the program and appreciate their dedication to wanting to learn more about the city,” Wagner said.