Local Student Wins Iron Bowl Tickets, Highlights Literacy Success

On November 18, 2025, Prattville Primary School celebrated a milestone for Autauga County when first grader Toxey Dorsett represented the school as a winner of the Alabama Education Association's 12th annual Be A Champion and Read contest. By completing the contest requirement of reading at least six age appropriate books during the fall semester, Dorsett earned tickets for himself and two guests, pregame activities, and on field recognition at the Iron Bowl.

School leaders said this marked the first time a student from Prattville Primary and from Autauga County had been selected as a winner in the statewide contest. The win has been highlighted by educators and administrators as a sign of progress in building reading skills and encouraging family involvement. The student selected family members to attend the game and family reading routines were credited for helping him improve and meet the contest requirements.

The local significance extends beyond a celebratory outing. Early literacy is a foundational determinant of academic success, which in turn influences long term health and economic outcomes. For communities like Autauga County, promotion of reading at home and in school can reduce educational disparities that contribute to unequal access to health care, employment, and social services. Investing in age appropriate books, community reading programs, and school library resources can strengthen child development and support equity across neighborhoods.

Prattville Primary leaders noted that recognition at a high profile event such as the Iron Bowl also draws public attention to the need for sustained support for literacy initiatives. In a county where resources vary by neighborhood, a single student success story can serve as a platform to advocate for policies that expand access to books, increase funding for early childhood educators, and promote family literacy programming through public health and school partnerships.

The community impact is immediate and practical. Young readers who feel supported by family and school are more likely to engage in classroom learning, perform better on assessments, and access opportunities that follow. For parents and caregivers in Autauga County, Dorsett's achievement is a reminder that nightly reading and simple routines can have measurable effects on a child’s skill development.

As educators and local leaders look ahead, they are hopeful that this recognition will inspire more families to participate in reading programs and will encourage policymakers to prioritize literacy as part of broader efforts to improve child health and educational equity. Toxey Dorsett’s experience shows how a local teacher, a committed family, and a community can combine to celebrate a child and to spotlight the work that remains to ensure every student has the books and support they need.