A Woman Who Changed Alabama's Future

Ann Bedsole, a remarkable figure in Alabama's history, passed away at the age of 95. She was not just any politician; she was a pioneer who shattered glass ceilings in both politics and education. Bedsole made history as the first woman to be elected to the Alabama State Senate, serving from 1983 to 1995. But her journey didn't start there. Before that, she was the first Republican woman to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1979 to 1983. Being a woman in politics back then was no easy feat. There were very few women in the State House who weren't just secretaries or assistants. So, when Bedsole stepped into the scene, she was a breath of fresh air. She was extraordinary, a trailblazer who paved the way for many women in politics. But Bedsole's impact wasn't just in politics. She was also a champion for education. She played a crucial role in the creation of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. This school was a big deal because it was one of the first magnet schools for gifted math and science students in the state. It was modeled after similar schools in North Carolina and Louisiana, where students could focus on advanced studies in their final years of high school. Getting the school up and running wasn't easy. It took a lot of effort and collaboration. Bedsole managed to secure initial funding from the state, and with the help of others, they raised around $10 million. The school opened in 1989 and graduated its first class in 1993. Today, it has produced over 3, 000 graduates. Bedsole was known for her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She had a warm, caring personality that made her approachable to everyone, from rich country club members to single mothers struggling to make ends meet. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the institutions she helped create. She was truly a woman who changed the future of Alabama.