Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition

10/07/2026

The Prattville Autauga Character Coalition is now accepting grant applications from teachers and educators working in the Autauga County School System. The grant cycle is open now and will end October 30, 2026. Funds will be awarded in December of 2026.

All applications must be submitted through our website. Click the link https://www.pacharacter.org/character-education-grants to apply for a grant. Please include a letter of endorsement with a signature from a principal or director. To learn more, please call 334.365.7392.

10/05/2026

October's character trait is respect. It means Treating others with honor and dignity.

09/01/2026

What an incredible night celebrating Rick Karle as our 2026 Champion of Character!

Together, we raised more than $32,000 that will go right back into the Autauga County education system through grants and scholarships. Thank you to everyone who supported this event and helped make it such a success.

It was a wonderful reminder that Autauga County truly is a community of character!

09/01/2026

Perseverance means continuing to show up, put in the effort, and keep moving forward, even when the road isn’t easy.

This month, let’s encourage perseverance in our homes, schools, workplaces, and throughout our community. Every challenge is an opportunity to keep going, keep growing, and give our best.

08/28/2026

Such an amazing night for our community! Thank you, Rick Karle, for being such a great example of good character and for sharing Copeland’s story.

More pictures to come from our Champions of Character event!

It was great to see my friend “I’m Good” last night in Prattville, Alabama!
I was blessed to be honored as the 2026 Champion Of the Year at the Champions Of Character banquet hosted by the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition.

I’m grateful for this honor, and as I accepted the award, 21-year-old Copeland Spires sat nearby.
If you are looking for a person with character, look no further than Copeland.

For years they have asked the half-glass full Copeland how he's feeling.
"I'm Good," he says.
Every year regardless how he’s feeling.
“I’m good,” he will say.

To be honest, things haven't always been good for Copeland Spires.
He weighed 1.5 pounds when he was born at 26 weeks.
Breathing issues would be a lifelong challenge.
"Learn how to use a ventilator," the doctor told Dan and Meg Spires upon Copeland's birth.
"He's gonna need it."

The diagnosis was Human Metopneumovirus.
Copeland didn't leave the hospital until he was 18 months old.
As Copeland grew, the ventilator would rarely leave him.
A feeding tube has nourished him his entire life.
"I'm Good," Copeland would tell anyone who listened.

So many setbacks.
Too many surgeries to count.
Yet, "I'm Good" found a way to play baseball, hunt, fish and root on the Crimson Tide.
He's grown into a graduate of Marbury High School and a 21-year-old who can now walk short distances with a ventilator.

“Copeland has been battling an infection for months,” Copeland’s father Dan told me last night as he gave me an update.
Copeland told me, “I can get out of the wheelchair and walk short distances but I get out of breath.”

Copeland is hanging in there- he’s counting the days until his beloved Crimson Tide open the football season.

Thanks to Stacey Little and my friends in Prattville for honoring me last night for my work throughout the years, and I thank Copeland for inspiring me.

For any problem I may have pales in comparison to what brave Copeland has gone through.

A young man who has taught me what to tell folks when I have an issue:

“I’m good.”

08/18/2026

Catch our interview with WSFA, where Brooke Glover and Stacey Little joined them to talk about the upcoming Champions of Character event!

Join us August 27 at Central Alabama Community College as we honor this year’s Champion of Character, Rick Karle, and celebrate the importance of character in our community. There is still time to purchase individual tickets or become a sponsor!

Watch the interview below and get your tickets or sponsorship information at pacharacter.org/champions-of-character.

https://www.wsfa.com/video/2026/08/17/prattville-chambers-hosts-champions-character-fundaraiser/

August 27, join the Prattville Chamber for its annual “Champions of Character” fundraiser, promoting good character while raising funds for to support students.

08/13/2026

August Character Trait: Obedience

This month, we’re focusing on Obedience: quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of those responsible for us.

A simple reminder for all of us, especially as we head into a new school year: listen, follow directions, and do it with a good attitude!

Learn more at pacharacter.org.

08/12/2026

The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition for its annual Champions of Character event on Thursday, August 27 from 6:00–8:00 P.M. at Central Alabama Community College in Prattville.

This year, we’re excited to honor Rick Karle as our 2026 Champion of Character! Come enjoy a great evening with dinner from Texas Roadhouse and a silent auction.

Sponsorships, tickets, and silent auction donation and more information can be found at https://www.pacharacter.org/

07/01/2026

This month, we’re focusing on Cooperation: understanding others so we can work effectively together.

In our schools, workplaces, and community, cooperation helps build trust, respect, and connections. Let’s practice cooperation this month and help make our community stronger.

Visit pachacter.org to learn more about the 2026 Character Trait.

02/15/2026

We are accepting nominations for the 2026 Character Luminary Awards through March 15, 2026!

To complete the nomination application, please visit https://www.pacharacter.org/awards

In an effort to recognize those that have displayed outstanding character in their personal and public lives, we encourage the community to nominate.

Every year since 2010, we have partnered with the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce to host our Character Award Luncheon, where we highlight our award winners. Students, families, organizations, and businesses located in Autauga County that have displayed exemplary character are eligible to receive the award.

Questions? 📞 Call 334.365.7392!