Helms, Yates Selected to 2026 All-Alabama Academic Team

Two LBW Community College students will soon receive prestigious recognition for exceptional academic achievement, distinguished leadership and community service.

Emma Helms of Ashford and Chloe Yates of Mobile are named as 2026 All-Alabama Academic Team members with the Alabama Community College system.

“Congratulations to Emma and Chloe on this well-deserved recognition,” said LBW Dean of Student Affairs, Jason Jessie. “Their dedication to academics, leadership and service exemplifies the values we celebrate at LBW. They are true difference-makers, and we are proud to see them represent our college on the All-Alabama Academic Team.”

All-Alabama Academic Team students are nominated by their respective colleges and must possess a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25, be involved in campus activities, and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours at the institution.

Emma Helms, a former LBW Volleyball player and fall 2025 graduate, currently attends Auburn University after earning an associate in arts. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing with the goal of becoming a pharmaceutical sales representative.

“I am proud to say that I have accomplished many athletic and academic goals and honors in my short 19 years of life, and I am excited to see what goals I can reach and exceed in the future,” Helms said. “I know that LBW athletics and education has given me the tools I need to finish my degree at Auburn and stay successful.”

Chloe Yates is a sophomore studying psychology with plans to transfer to the University of South Alabama.

As an athlete on the Saints Softball Team, Chloe has been named to the NJCAA All-Academic first team, and she serves as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society on campus.

“My major is psychology, and I intend to become a sports psychologist,” Yates said. “I chose this field because I have seen firsthand how the mental side of a sport can impact performance. Many athletes never reach their full potential not because of lack of effort or skill, but due to losing the mental battle. I want to help athletes overcome these struggles and truly love their sport.”

Students from all colleges within the Alabama Community College System will be recognized at a luncheon in Birmingham on April 10, 2026.

The All-Alabama Academic Team recognition program was founded in 1995 to complement the All-USA National Academic Team Program sponsored by USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the American Association of Community Colleges.