Heart of the Valley YMCA President/CEO Jerry Courtney was recognized for his education advocacy as recipient of the 2020 Bill Miller Sr. Friends of Education Award. The award is given by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators annually to an individual who is not in the field of education but who has made considerable contributions to education over the years.
Jerry arrived in the Tennessee Valley in 2014, and under his leadership, the YMCA has expanded youth programming and partnerships with local school districts. YMCA Staff have launched the BELL Power Scholars Academy program to prevent summer learning loss, have enhanced STEM programming for children enrolled in YMCA youth programs as well as conducted Virtual Learners Day Camps for children not attending traditional school during the COVID pandemic. In addition, the YMCA now operates six First Class Pre-K classrooms and two Early Head Start classrooms as part of its Early Childhood Education Centers. Jerry served on Gov. Kay Ivey’s STEM Education Council and is an active member of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance’s First Class Pre-K Task Force.
Jerry stated that he was “honored and humbled by this recognition.” He accepted the award on behalf of all of the dedicated YMCA staff, teachers and school administrators who daily help students achieve, feel a sense of belonging and thrive.
Heart of the Valley YMCA President/CEO Jerry Courtney was recognized for his education advocacy as recipient of the 2020 Bill Miller Sr. Friends of Education Award. The award is given by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators annually to an individual who is not in the field of education but who has made considerable contributions to education over the years.
Jerry arrived in the Tennessee Valley in 2014, and under his leadership, the YMCA has expanded youth programming and partnerships with local school districts. YMCA Staff have launched the BELL Power Scholars Academy program to prevent summer learning loss, have enhanced STEM programming for children enrolled in YMCA youth programs as well as conducted Virtual Learners Day Camps for children not attending traditional school during the COVID pandemic. In addition, the YMCA now operates six First Class Pre-K classrooms and two Early Head Start classrooms as part of its Early Childhood Education Centers. Jerry served on Gov. Kay Ivey’s STEM Education Council and is an active member of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance’s First Class Pre-K Task Force.
Jerry stated that he was “honored and humbled by this recognition.” He accepted the award on behalf of all of the dedicated YMCA staff, teachers and school administrators who daily help students achieve, feel a sense of belonging and thrive.