AL HR129

Recognizes Ralph D. Patton for 25 years of coaching school and community sports in the Birmingham area as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and community program assistant.

Patton was a standout athlete who earned basketball scholarships to Hiwassee Junior College and Birmingham-Southern College, becoming the first African American inducted into BSC's Hall of Fame in 1987.

Served as Athletic Director and physical education teacher at The Altamont School from 1991-1999, coaching basketball, soccer, and tennis; received Teacher of the Year honors in 1995 and had the school's athletic facility named "The Patton Gym" in 2017.

Worked with both at-risk youth in Birmingham public schools and affluent students, bringing together diverse groups through sports and mentorship.

Despite a 1999 car accident leaving him partially paralyzed with traumatic brain injury, he continues volunteering with The Dannon Project and serving on boards including The Altamont Alumni Board.