By Jeff Devine
Dale County Chronicle
When Jada Stone first considered a run for Daleville City Council, excitement was mixed with understandable nerves. At just 23 years old, she knew stepping into a role traditionally held by officials typically at least twice her age would come with challenges.
That reality was underscored recently when Stone received the 2025 Achievement Award, recognizing her as the youngest City Council member in Daleville’s history. The honor has quickly become a pivotal moment early in her public service career, although she does not want her age to be the defining characteristic of her role on the council.
The Dale County Chronicle recently had the pleasure of interviewing Stone about her award and her first several weeks serving on the council.
“It was an amazing honor,” Stone said. “The feeling of being praised for something I was nervous in the beginning to do just made me feel accomplished in a way.”
The award was presented by Masonic Lodge Bellwood Star Lodge #269 and Olive Twig Chapter #189 during a holiday banquet. The 2025 Achievement Award plaque is inscribed with the following message: “Your service, dedication, and commitment to your community have not gone unnoticed. Because of your hard work, you were elected to the Daleville City Council, earning the remarkable distinction of becoming the youngest member to ever receive this honor. Congratulations.”
Stone said the recognition was especially meaningful as she continues to grow into her role on the council.
“Thank you to Masonic Lodge Bellwood Star Lodge #269 and Olive Twig Chapter 189 for recognizing my achievement and thank you for inviting me to your beautiful Holiday Banquet,” Stone said.
Stone also acknowledged the personal support that helped guide her through the process, particularly from her mother.
“I expressed sincere gratitude for the recognition and thanked my mom, Lashanda Green, for being by my side during this whole process,” she said.
While being the youngest council member in Daleville’s history is remarkable, Stone admits her age was also her greatest concern going into the role.
“I have a mix of emotions when it comes to being on the city council at 23,” she said. “I was super excited, but I was a bit nervous from the start. The average age for a council member is around 40. When you come in and you are the age of someone’s child, some may not respect you, and that was my biggest fear.”
Those concerns, she said, were quickly put to rest. “Ever since we voted in August, all the other councilmembers and our mayor have given me so much respect and encouragement that I’m not nervous anymore,” Stone said.
Now several weeks into her first term, Stone is focused on turning campaign promises into action. Stone emphasized that her primary goals are to improve transparency and strengthen communication between city leadership and residents.
“I hope to strengthen communication between the city council and our residents by encouraging transparency and community engagement,” she said. “I want to thank Kevin Turley for videoing meetings, because that helps our citizens see what’s going on. That was one thing I said while campaigning that I wanted done, so I truly thank him for that.”
Stone is also eager to play a role in Daleville’s continued growth, especially when it comes to economic improvements.
“I am adamant about bringing more businesses to Daleville,” she said. “I hope to work with the mayor in that regard as well.”
As a councilmember, Stone believes her strengths lie in communication, organization, and perspective.
“I bring strong communication skills, a willingness to listen, and a fresh perspective to the council,” she said. “I’m detail-oriented, organized, and committed to learning all aspects of municipal governance. Most importantly, I approach council work with respect for differing viewpoints and a genuine desire to make decisions that serve the best interests of the people of Daleville.”
Outside City Hall, Stone remains deeply involved in her community. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and has a strong passion for working with children and youth programs. Volunteering and participating in local events continue to be a central part of her life, even as her council responsibilities expand.
Much of that commitment, she says, comes from her upbringing.
“I was raised by a hardworking single mother who emphasized the importance of perseverance, service, and giving back,” Stone said. “Those values continue to guide me both personally and professionally.”
For Stone, serving on the city council is more than a milestone, it is personal.
“Daleville has always been home to me,” she said. “Serving this community is something I take great pride in.”
As she continues her first term, Stone’s blend of youthful perspective, strong community roots, and determination is already making an impact, one that signals Daleville’s future leadership may be in capable hands for years to come.
image of the plaque awarded to Daleville City Councilwoman Jada Stone, winer of the 2025 Achievement Award.
