Dothan Students Practice Professional Skills at Luncheon
More than 200 high school students from 12 Wiregrass-area schools took part in a formal etiquette luncheon with local business and civic leaders.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Secondary Education
Over 200 high school students attended a formal etiquette luncheon with Wiregrass business and civic leaders at the Dothan Civic Center on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The event drew around 260 students from 12 high schools in Houston, Geneva and Henry Counties.
Why it matters
The luncheon was designed to teach high schoolers skills they can use in the future, from introductions and conversation to formal dining. It gives students in the Dothan area direct exposure to local professionals and career paths.
The luncheon drew around 260 students from 12 high schools in Houston, Geneva and Henry Counties, with over 200 students in attendance. The source does not report whether the event will be repeated or how student participation was measured.
The players
Wiregrass RC&D
A regional resource conservation and development organization serving the Wiregrass area of southeast Alabama, which co-organized the luncheon.
Alabama Power Foundation
The philanthropic arm of Alabama Power that funds education and community programs across the state, which co-organized the event.
Liberty Learning Foundation
An Alabama nonprofit focused on education initiatives for students, which co-organized the luncheon.
Timothy "TA" Alexander
An award-winning author and Emmy Award recipient who served as a guest speaker at the luncheon.
The details
Students were seated for a formal lunch with business, civic and elected leaders and practiced introductions, conversation and navigating formal dining. They also connected with local professionals, explored career options and created their own business cards, with Timothy "TA" Alexander, an award-winning author and Emmy recipient, serving as a guest speaker.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Etiquette luncheon held at the Dothan Civic Center.
Season Trajectory
The luncheon extends Alabama's career and technical education pathways into soft-skill training for secondary students. It reflects a broader push to connect Wiregrass high schoolers with local employers before graduation.
Students from Dothan and surrounding Wiregrass schools gained practical experience in introductions, conversation and formal dining. The event also gave them direct access to local professionals and business representatives to explore career options.
The takeaway
Practicing professional skills early, such as introductions and formal dining, can help students feel more confident in future job interviews and workplace settings. Students interested in local careers can seek out similar community events to meet professionals in their area.
Further reading
Explore more on Secondary Education in the Dothan area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDHN - wdhn.com.
