2026 Annual Awards Gala: "Framing the Future, Honoring the Present"

Description

An evening of distinction awaits at our esteemed Gala, where we gather to celebrate excellence and honor those whose achievements inspire. This elegant occasion will showcase the presentation of prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across various fields. Join us for a night of refined elegance, as we pay tribute to excellence and the remarkable individuals who embody it.

Event Information:

VIP Ticket $75.00

Upgrade to VIP for an elevated experience! VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive access to the Cocktail Hour from 6:00–7:00 PM, two complimentary drink tickets (one for a signature cocktail and one for beer or wine), preferred seating at the event, and a special gift to take home. VIP is perfect for those who want to enjoy extra perks, early mingling, and a little added luxury.

General Admission $50.00

General Admission provides full access to the main event, including program participation and standard seating. While it does not include Cocktail Hour access, drink tickets, preferred seating, or the special gift, General Admission still offers a full evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment. 

Cocktail Attire

Dress to impress! Cocktail attire is chic and semi-formal — think stylish dresses, skirts, or dressy jumpsuits for women, and suits or dress slacks with a blazer for men. This is the perfect opportunity to look polished and festive while enjoying an elegant evening.

Age Requirement

Guests must be 21 years or older to attend this event.

Refund Policy

All tickets sold by the SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce are final sale. No refunds or exchanges will be issued.

Win a Louis Vuitton Alma (January 2002) at the Gala:

The SWMCC Foundation and From The Vault – Mobile are giving you a chance to win a stunning Louis Vuitton Alma while supporting local scholarships and the Gateway Initiative in Tillmans Corner. Only 200 raffle tickets are available at $25 each — the winner will be announced at the Gala on Friday, March 27th.

Ticket: https://business.swmcchamber.com/events/Details/2026-framing-the-future-honoring-the-presence-louis-vuitton-raffle-1652807?sourceTypeId=Website 

Award Nominees:

Impact Award - The University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama has been selected as the recipient of the Impact Award in recognition of its longstanding commitment to advancing education, research, and community engagement throughout the Gulf Coast region. Since its founding in 1963, South has grown into a dynamic public research university serving nearly 14,000 students across more than 115 academic programs, fostering a community of leaders and learners who support and challenge one another through education and discovery. Its mission emphasizes not only academic excellence but also real‑world impact, preparing students to be actively engaged citizens and professionals who contribute meaningfully to the region and beyond.

Beyond its academic offerings, the University plays an integral role in community partnership and service. Through initiatives coordinated by its Office of Community Engagement, faculty, students, and staff work with local organizations and residents to address community needs, strengthen workforce readiness, and enrich the public good. These efforts help bridge higher education and community collaboration, creating mutually beneficial opportunities that extend the University’s positive influence throughout Mobile and the Gulf Coast. 

Citizen of the Year - Elaine Sessions

Elaine Sessions has been named the 2025 Citizen of the Year in recognition of her decades of professional achievement and lifelong commitment to her community. An associate broker with Roberts Brothers Realtors, Elaine has been active in the real estate industry for 48 years. She began her career while teaching high school in Grand Bay and Theodore and went on to teach real estate classes for more than 35 years. Today, she leads and mentors a successful team of agents, sharing her knowledge and experience with others in the field.

Elaine’s dedication to service extends far beyond her professional life. She serves on the board of McKemie Place, a homeless shelter for women, where she and her husband, Al, prepare weekly meals and provide clothing and essentials. Their home often becomes a hub for sorting donations for McKemie Place, Our Sisters’ Closet, and the Tillman’s Corner Homeless & Needy Outreach, and Elaine helps furnish new homes for residents transitioning into permanent housing.

For more than a decade, Elaine has mentored a “little” in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, guiding her from second grade through college, and she has also supported students through career-shadowing opportunities and the T.A.L.L. Program. She sponsors Pearl Haskew Elementary’s Star Student program, encouraging academic excellence and citizenship.

Elaine and Al host a weekly Bible study in their home, assist with monthly meals at the Ronald McDonald House, and support organizations including St. Jude, the Child Advocacy Center, Samaritan’s Purse, Waterfront Rescue Mission, Seaman’s Center, the Salvation Army, and the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. As active members of Dayspring Baptist Church, Elaine participates in the Women’s Ministry, consistently giving her time, energy, and compassion to positively impact the lives of others.

Diplomat of the Year - Chrissy Henderson 

Ms. Chrissy Henderson is a dedicated educator, community leader, and passionate advocate for service whose impact is felt both in the classroom and throughout the SouthWest Mobile County community. A member of the Bright Academy family since nearly its founding in 2013, Chrissy brings more than 25 years of experience in public and private education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mobile College and has served students across multiple grade levels in a variety of leadership and instructional roles.

Throughout her career, Chrissy has served on accreditation committees, building leadership teams, and as a coach for elementary track, soccer, and middle school cheer. Her commitment to professional growth is evident through her extensive training with Brainspring and the Neuhaus Education Center, where she focused on supporting dyslexic learners and implementing multi-sensory and enrichment-based instructional strategies. At Bright Academy, she has served as both a classroom teacher and Assistant Principal, always leading with creativity, compassion, and a heart for students.

Currently, Chrissy wears many hats at Bright Academy, serving as Strategic Partnerships Officer, Event Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Fundraising Chair. Her ability to manage these roles with enthusiasm and excellence speaks to her dedication to the school’s mission and her gift for bringing people together. She is known for her creativity, strong organizational skills, and her willingness to step in wherever help is needed.

In addition to her professional work, Chrissy is deeply involved in the SouthWest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce. After being recognized for her outstanding volunteer service as Diplomat of the Year, she serves as a member of the Annual Awards Gala Committee, continuing her commitment to strengthening the Chamber and supporting the local business community. Whether in education or community service, Chrissy Henderson leads with heart, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to making a positive difference.

Teacher of the Year - Stephanie LeGrone (McGill-Toolen Catholic High School)

Mrs. Stephanie LeGrone is a beloved and highly respected science educator at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, where she serves as the school’s Chemistry guru and one of its most phenomenal teachers. With an impressive background that includes teaching middle school math and science, working in various high schools, and serving as the K–12 Science Supervisor for Mobile County Public Schools, Mrs. LeGrone brings deep knowledge, experience, and passion into every classroom she enters.

Her love for Chemistry truly shines through her creative lessons, engaging labs, and ability to reach students at every academic level. Mrs. LeGrone has a unique gift for making even the most hesitant students fall in love with science, while simultaneously challenging high-achieving learners to reach new heights. She is a lifelong learner who continually brings fresh ideas into her teaching, and her students deeply appreciate both her enthusiasm and her high academic expectations.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. LeGrone is deeply committed to serving her school and community. She recently moderated a STEM panel encouraging young women to pursue careers in math and science and actively mentors students through leadership and service. Known for her joyful personality, love of The Wizard of Oz, and her ever-full “sparkle tank,” Mrs. LeGrone spreads kindness, inspiration, and encouragement wherever she goes. Her dedication to students, colleagues, and the broader community makes her a truly deserving honoree and a shining example of excellence in education.