MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — On Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey hosted the Alabama Academy of Honor ceremony.
Over 260 leaders have been election to the academy, including Gov. Ivey herself. This year’s inductees are also Alabama greats, such as Charles Barkley, Jimmy Rane, and Justice Champ Lyons, Jr.
“James W. Rane, we induct you into the Alabama Academy of Honor…” announced Mason Davis with the academy. Jimmy Rane of Abbeville is the president of Great Southern Wood Holdings and serves on the Auburn University Board of Trustees.
He said it’s an honor to serve his state. “It’s a treasure to live in Alabama. And I love being- I love our state,” remarked Rane. “And these people are all greats. They’ve done great things for our state. So, to be included is very humbling.”
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Also inducted was Auburn and NBA basketball legend Charles Barkley. Montal Morton with Redmont Distilling Co. attended on his behalf. “Wherever he is all over the world, he represents Alabama well. But today, we stood on the shoulders of many. And it’s a privilege and an honor for him to be inducted into this great organization,” said Morton.