FAIRHOPE, Ala. – On Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, more than 200 guests gathered at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope for the 3rd Annual Evening of Education Champions, raising $64,000 to support education in Baldwin County. Attendees enjoyed a night of great food, live music, networking, and exciting auctions—all in the name of advancing education and supporting future teachers.

The event serves as the signature fundraiser for the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship, which awards scholarships to high school seniors from each feeder pattern and former Baldwin County graduates pursuing a degree in education. It also supports the Josh Hall Memorial Scholarship, which assists Baldwin County Public Schools employees and their children who are working toward becoming educators or earning an advanced education degree.

The Evening of Education Champions is hosted by the Baldwin County Education Coalition in partnership with Baldwin County Public Schools. As the fiscal manager for the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship Fund, the Coalition plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between the community and public education, helping to meet financial needs where public funding falls short.

The Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship program originated from the Baldwin County Public Schools human resources department as a strategic initiative to encourage students to return and teach in the district after earning their education degree. This recruitment effort has proven successful, with some of the first scholarship recipients now securing teaching positions within Baldwin County Public Schools, bringing their journey full circle.

In 2024, the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship program awarded $62,000 in scholarships, thanks to the generous support of donors. The ongoing success of the Evening of Education Champions ensures the scholarship fund continues to grow, securing opportunities for future educators in Baldwin County for years to come.

“We are so grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have supported this initiative,” said Terry Burkle, Executive Director for the Baldwin County Education Coalition. “Their generosity is making a meaningful impact in the lives of future educators, and investing in the ongoing advancement of education in our community.”

Those interested in contributing to the Baldwin Proud Future Teacher Scholarship can contact Terry Burkle, Executive Director of the Baldwin County Education Coalition, at [email protected].