×Jon Anderson

Choosing a Newsmaker of the Year isn’t always easy.

A lot of people grab headlines — some for outstanding accomplishments, others for missteps or controversy.

One strong contender for Hoover Newsmaker of the Year for 2025 was Abbie Stockard, a former Miss Hoover and Miss Alabama who won the Miss America crown in January. Another contender was Emma Terry, Miss Hoover 2025 who won Miss Alabama in June.

Other contenders included Bluff Park teacher Katie Collins (Alabama’s Teacher of the Year), fire Chief Clay Bentley (Alabama’s Fire Chief of the Year), Hoover High’s Jennifer Hogan (who retired as principal of the state’s largest high school), Kristi Sayers (who replaced Hogan), former Hoover CFO Jennifer Cornett (who led the city through a closely scrutinized financial revie

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