Doster went to work at The Prattville Progress in 1931 when she and her husband purchased the newspaper. She served as editor and publisher from 1940 to 1945 while her husband served in the Army during World War II. When he died in 1952, she continued as owner and editor for 15 more years.

In 1966, she sold the paper but remained as social editor for the next 28 years, retiring at age 96.

She was active in her community as a member of the Pilot Club International, The American Association of University Women and the Alabama Business and Professional Women. She was a member of the City of Prattville Planning Board for 40 years and a member of the Board of Stewards of the First United Methodist Church.

In 1963 she was named to the Top Ten Business Women in the Tri County Area of Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties, and in 1994 she was presented the Spirit of Spinners Award for service and influence in the community.

In nominating Doster, Linda Breedlove said, “Mrs. Doster cared so much about her community and the people she served. She gave her readers a lot of news about what was going on in her beloved town of Prattville. She greeted everyone with ‘Do you know any news?’”

Mike Breedlove, a Prattville native, added, “She was never without a pleasant smile on her face as she made her weekly rounds through the then small town. Not only did she glean the news while making her visits to the local shops and stores, she also sold advertising. Evelyn Doster was a real newspaper lady.”

Oakman, Ala., native Shelton Prince will also be inducted this year. Prince began his newspaper career at the Cedartown (Ga.) Standard in 1956. During his career, he spent time in Galveston, Texas, Laredo, Texas, Jasper and Selma and was publisher of the Brownwood (Texas) Bulletin at the time of his death. He was also president of the Southwest Management Group of Boone Newspapers, a senior vice president and a group manager.

His interest in newspapers began in the printing department. His first newspaper job in Cedartown, Texas, led him to become a journeyman web offset pressman and printing company manager. Although he went on to become a publisher, he never lost interest in the printing process.

Prince was active in every community he served. He was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts and the YMCA. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts of America and was named Man of the Year in Brownwood in 1995 for his leadership in civic and charitable work.

Prince was president of the Alabama Press Association in 1980 and president of the APA Journalism Foundation in 1977. In addition, he led the successful five-year effort to double the Foundation's endowment, an effort that began in 1984.

In nominating Prince, Mike Kelley said, “Shelton was a benchmark of what self-education, backed by an inquiring and good mind, can accomplish when meshed with determination to improve oneself. Shelton improved the newspapers he ran, and through them, the communities he served.”

The ceremony will be held Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. at Auburn University. Invitations will be sent to all APA members by the University Relations Department at Auburn University, and tickets to the football game will be offered to those attending the ceremony.