The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Governor Ivey addressing the Boy Scouts and Tuscaloosa community leaderx
February 27, 2026 - TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey was the recipient of the Circle of Honor Award presented by the Black Warrior Council of the Boy Scouts of America today at a noontime luncheon held at the Embassy Suites Ballroom in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Previous recipients of the Circle of Honor Award include Coach Nick Saban, his wife Terry Saban, and former U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby. With today's luncheon raising $197,000 to support scouting in West Alabama.
The 12th Annual Circle of Honor Award Luncheon opened with the pledge of allegiance led by the Pack and Troop 506 from Aliceville, Alabama. The pledge of allegiance was then followed by a prayer led by troop member, Kenzaye Kirkland, who prayed for God to give them the "wisdom and strength to do what is right." With the emcee for the luncheon, Sammy Watson, emphasizing that "Duty to God and Country" will always be a part of scouting.
About 230 people were in attendance at the luncheon with the menu for the event consisting of a garden salad, herb chicken with roasted vegetables and potatoes, and the option of either a chocolate mousse pie or cheesecake for dessert. As attendees partook of their salad, they were informed by the emcee that Scouting America has been in West Central Alabama for 104 years. With one of their missions being to teach the youth of America to "give their word and to keep it."
The emcee then asked the luncheon members to stand if they were ever a part of scouting during their youth. This led to nearly half of the room standing up, including the mayor of Tuscaloosa, Walt Maddox. When the emcee then specified for those who had actually persisted and obtained their eagle scout to stand up, about fifteen of those in attendance took to their feet. One of whom was former Alabama Secretary of State, John H. Merrill. Other local civic and political leaders in attendance at the luncheon included state senator, Gerald Allen, and U.S. Senator Katie Britt's local field representative, Kelli Wolfe.
The presenter for the Circle of Honor Award was another civic leader in the Tuscaloosa area, Dr. Cathy Randall. She stated that the Circle of Honor is given to those who "live their lives by the same tenets that we teach our scouts". Randall then also emphasized that Governor Ivey is the "most consequential" governor of Alabama. With the rest of her presentation then being done via video. With the video recording tracing Governor Kay Ivey's rise from being a teacher, to a bank officer, to a statewide elected official. As well as presenting cute anecdotes about her childhood such as her youthful love of horse barrel racing.
Dr. Cathy Randall then stated that Governor Ivey will go down in history as the governor of Alabama who has served the longest time, consecutively. With Governor Kay Ivey then taking to the stage in a light blue suit, rather than her trademark bright red pantsuit. Governor Ivey then proceeded to thank those in attendance for all they do to build a stronger Alabama. Closing her remarks with a spirited, "May God continue to bless each of you and the great State of Alabama." A comment which was received with a standing ovation.
Luisa Reyes is a Tuscaloosa attorney, piano instructor, vocalist, news reporter, poet, and a widely published columnist on the arts, politics, and current affairs.
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