PRESS RELEASE: Young Entrepreneurs of Albertville Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Class and Names Capstone Winner

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Young Entrepreneurs of Albertville Celebrates Inaugural Graduating Class and Names Capstone Winner
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — The Albertville Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the successful completion of the inaugural Young Entrepreneurs of Albertville (Y.E.A.) program on Friday, May 8, with Capstone Presentations and graduation ceremonies held at Albertville Innovation Academy in the Collaboration Room.
The Young Entrepreneurs of Albertville program, a partnership between the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, Albertville High School, and Albertville Innovation Academy, was created to inspire and equip the next generation of business leaders through hands-on entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and real-world business development experiences.
As the culminating event of the program, six student participants presented their business concepts to a panel of five judges. Each student was given five minutes to present their business idea, followed by a two-minute question-and-answer session with the judges. After careful deliberation, the judges selected Braxton Hudgins, a senior at Albertville High School, as the inaugural Capstone Presentation winner.
Hudgins was awarded the program’s $5,000 startup grant or scholarship for his business concept focused on website development services. He plans to attend Auburn University this fall, where he will major in Computer Science.
“This program was created to give students a real opportunity to explore entrepreneurship, develop leadership skills, and turn ideas into action,” said Stan Witherow, IOM, President of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce. “To see our inaugural class stand confidently before a panel of judges and present businesses they have worked hard to develop is incredibly rewarding. Braxton’s presentation was exceptional, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him and all of these students.”
Following the presentations, graduation ceremonies were held recognizing all six students who successfully completed the inaugural program. Each graduate received a certificate of
 
completion and a graduation cord presented by Stan Witherow, President of the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, and Stacey Turner, Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Albertville High School and Albertville Innovation Academy. Their collaboration and leadership were instrumental in bringing the program to life and guiding its successful first year.
Graduates of the 2025–2026 inaugural Young Entrepreneurs of Albertville class include:

• Braxton Hudgins
• Fabiana Sebastian
• Galilea Garcia Rodriguez
• Isabela Carmelo
• Kaylee de la Garza
• Matibelle Dulysse