MONTGOMERY, Ala. — September 9, 2026 — Montgomery Public Schools kicked off Attendance Awareness Month on Wednesday at Carver High School with the announcement of Montgomery County Commissioner Carmen Moore-Zeigler and Attorney Stewart Vance as the district's 2026–2027 Attendance Ambassadors.
This year's campaign, "Be Present. Be Prepared. Be Productive.", encourages students, families, educators, and community members to recognize the important connection between regular school attendance and student success.
The high-energy kickoff brought together Carver High School students, school leaders, educators, and community partners to emphasize the importance of showing up, staying engaged, and making every school day count.
MPS Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd challenged students to think about attendance as more than simply being in a classroom.
"Your future is too important to miss," Dr. Byrd told students. "Every day matters. Every class matters. Every opportunity matters."
Dr. Byrd emphasized that students are preparing for many different paths after high school, including college, careers, military service, technical education, entrepreneurship, and other opportunities. Regular attendance allows students to build the knowledge, relationships, skills, and experiences needed to reach those goals.
"Be Present means showing up and being engaged. Be Prepared means taking advantage of the opportunities available to you and preparing for what comes next. And Be Productive means making your time count," Dr. Byrd said.
The district also recognizes that students and families can face challenges that affect attendance. MPS remains committed to partnering with families, connecting them with resources, and helping address barriers that may prevent students from attending school consistently.
At the same time, the district is calling on the entire community to help encourage students to attend school every day.
Meet the 2026–2027 Attendance Ambassadors
Montgomery County Commissioner Carmen Moore-Zeigler
Carmen Moore-Zeigler was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey on July 29, 2022, to the District 2 seat on the Montgomery County Commission. She was sworn into office on August 9, 2022, by the Honorable Charles Price, Retired Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Judge. In 2024, Moore-Zeigler was elected to the Montgomery County Commission by the residents of District 2.
Born and raised in Montgomery, Moore-Zeigler graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1990 before attending Troy University-Montgomery, where she majored in Business Administration. Her passion for business and entrepreneurship began in part through her father, the late Douglas Moore, who developed a haircare line named "Carmen."
In 2006, Moore-Zeigler and her father launched the Moore-Zeigler Group, a business consulting company specializing in advising and assisting small minority business owners as they build and expand their businesses. Together, they have worked with businesses throughout the southern regions of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee. Since its establishment, they have helped several companies accrue more than $20 million.
Her commitment to Montgomery extends beyond business. Moore-Zeigler has consistently supported Montgomery Public Schools and funded several projects benefiting local students and families. Over the past three years, she has donated to Back-to-School Supply Drives and helped feed more than 3,000 citizens throughout Montgomery communities.
Moore-Zeigler is a faithful member of Mount Moab Baptist Church, where she learned and lives by her favorite scripture, Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much will be required."
She is married to Mr. Henry Zeigler II, and they have one daughter, Ada Zeigler.
As an Attendance Ambassador, Moore-Zeigler brings a strong connection to Montgomery, a commitment to community service, and a passion for supporting young people and their future.
Attorney Stewart Vance
For nearly 30 years, Stewart Vance has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families navigate some of life's most difficult challenges. As a personal injury attorney, he has built a reputation for standing up for individuals injured and advocating on their behalf against large insurance companies.
Known throughout the community for his commitment to service and his genuine connection with people, Vance believes every client deserves to be heard. He takes the time to listen, understand each person's unique circumstances, and guide them through their options with compassion and clarity. His approachable nature and dedication have earned the trust of countless clients over the years.
In addition to representing clients, Vance serves as a leader within his firm, helping guide the continued growth and success of the practice.
Above all, Vance treasures his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather. He values time spent with his family and believes that the most meaningful moments in life are often found outside the office.
His commitment to helping others, both professionally and personally, continues to make a lasting impact throughout the community.
As an Attendance Ambassador, Vance will help MPS reinforce the importance of consistent attendance and encourage students to take ownership of their education and their futures.
A Community Commitment to Attendance
Moore-Zeigler and Vance will serve throughout the 2026–2027 school year as community ambassadors for MPS's attendance initiative, helping elevate the conversation around attendance and encouraging students and families to make school attendance a priority.
"We thank Commissioner Moore-Zeigler and Attorney Vance for lending their voices, leadership, and commitment to our students," said Dr. Byrd. "Their partnership sends a powerful message that our community cares about whether our students are in school and whether they are prepared for success."
The Attendance Awareness Month campaign will continue throughout September and beyond, with MPS encouraging students, families, educators, and community members to embrace this year's message:
Be Present. Be Prepared. Be Productive.
For Montgomery Public Schools, the message is simple: Every day matters, and every student deserves the opportunity to be there.
