B Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County
MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey has announced the special guests who will be recognized during her final State of the State address, scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 13, at the Alabama State Capitol.
According to the governor’s office, the guests represent a cross-section of Alabamians whose service, talent, and achievements highlight progress being made across the state.
“These special guests represent the very best of our state,” Ivey said in a statement. “Good things are happening across our 67 counties, and these guests help tell our success story in Alabama.”
Among those to be recognized is Rodney Smith Jr., a Huntsville native and founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Smith launched the organization in 2015 while studying computer science at Alabama A&M University, after offering to mow an elderly neighbor’s lawn. That single act grew into a nationwide effort now operating in all 50 states, providing free lawn care to veterans, military families, first responders, and individuals in need.
Ivey is expected to highlight Smith’s service and patriotism as Alabama prepares to join the nation in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary next year.
Also joining the governor will be students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham, one of Alabama’s designated Turnaround schools. The students will be recognized for academic progress achieved through targeted interventions aimed at improving outcomes in historically underperforming schools. Governor Ivey previously visited the school during her 2023 Back-to-School Tour, during which she met with students and faculty at each of the state’s turnaround schools.
Musical selections before the address will be performed by members of the Montgomery Academy Chamber Chorus under the direction of Dr. Damion Womack. The ensemble will also be recognized during the governor’s remarks.
The State of the State address is set to begin at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live across multiple platforms. The Dale County Chronicle will provide coverage of the Governor’s address following the event. Stay tuned.
