Two education alumni featured in UA’s 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards

In February, The University of Alabama National Alumni Association named its 2026 Class for the 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards, including two of the College of Education’s own exceptional alumni, Savannah Fisher and Matthew Meadows, for making a vital impact in their industries and communities.

Learn more this year’s 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards recipients here.

Savannah Fisher

Fisher is a fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Pelham Ridge Elementary School in Pelham. She graduated cum laude from The University of Alabama in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a certificate in early childhood education, then returned to earn a master’s degree in elementary education in 2024 with specializations in math, science and social studies. 

While at UA, Fisher was a member of the Million Dollar Band and Alta Marea Winterguard, where she has assisted in coaching the color guard since the fall of 2022. She helped lead Alta Marea Winterguard to a historic silver medal finish at Winter Guard International’s World Championships in 2024. She currently serves as secretary for the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit. 

Fisher is also a leader in her school community, serving as a mentor teacher, grade level chair, action team leader and Lighthouse Coordinator for her school’s “Leader in Me” program. In 2025, she was named Elementary Educator of the Year by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. 

Staff Sgt. Matthew Meadows

Originally from Jasper, Meadows joined the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in April 2025. He is an in-demand soloist, chamber musician, and clinician who has earned top honors in numerous national and international competitions. In 2019, he received second prize in the International Horn Competition of America University Division. His additional accolades include National Winner of the MTNA Young Artist Competition, winner of the Kappa Kappa Psi Biennial Solo Competition, the FOOSA Philharmonic Concerto Competition, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” National Collegiate Solo Competition, and more. 

Meadows has held principal and section horn positions with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. He has also performed with orchestras including the Alabama Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic and Huntsville Symphony. Internationally, he appeared as a soloist with the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra at the 2024 Toradze International Music Festival. Meadows is a two-time University of Alabama alumnus, earning his bachelor’s degree in music education in 2019 and his master’s in horn performance in 2021.