More than 4,000 educators gathered Friday at the Foley Event Center for the Baldwin County Public School System's annual Teacher Institute, marking the official start of the 2024-25 academic year.

The event, which brings together teachers, staff, and administrators from across the county, kicked off with a warm welcome from Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich. Addressing the crowd, Hellmich expressed gratitude for the educators' dedication and the vital role they play in shaping the future.

"On behalf of the City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Foley, our event staff staff and we love to have you here," Hellmich told the audience. "I want to thank all of you for what you do. It is so important to have such a good system. Here in Foley, we are one of the best, if not the best, partners to the Baldwin County Board of Education and all its teachers. We want to be a good partner and we're going to continue to be a good partner."

Hellmich shared a personal anecdote highlighting the long-lasting impact of teachers. He recounted how his wife, Jo Hellmich, a retired Baldwin County teacher, recently received an email from a former student. The student, who was inspired by a second-grade science project, credited the experience with sparking his interest in science and space, ultimately influencing his career path.

Hellmich emphasized that the success of teachers in shaping future county citizens is supported by a network of dedicated individuals, including supervisors, principals, the school board and Baldwin County Superintendent of Education Eddie Tyler. He highlighted the collaborative effort that encourages teachers to achieve the best results possible.

Baldwin County Superintendent of Education Eddie Tyler, along with other administrators, joined Hellmich in emphasizing the importance of community support for educators.

The Foley Event Center, one of the few facilities in Baldwin County capable of hosting such a large gathering, provided the backdrop for the institute. Teachers officially began their academic year on Thursday, Aug. 1, with students returning to class on Thursday, Aug. 8.