Khristopher Gardner is an youth advocate, aspiring attorney, politician, and public servant committed to leadership, civic engagement, and community impact. He is the first-ever first-place winner of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest, an achievement that led to him delivering his winning speech before all Divine Nine fraternities and sororities on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol.

Khristopher is a Cadet Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, where he serves as a Flight Commander at Maxwell Composite Squadron. He also represents the squadron as a primary representative in the Civil Air Patrol Alabama Wing Cadet Advisory Council, contributing youth perspectives to statewide leadership discussions. And through Civil Air Patrol, Khristopher is a student pilot.

His commitment to law and government is reflected in his early legal education and civic service. Khristopher currently takes law classes once a month at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law through Beasley Allen Law Firm. He has been invited to the Alabama Supreme Court. He has done the pledge of allegiance at a Montgomery City Council Meeting. And Khristoper has been invited by the Montgomery Public School Systems Superintendent Dr. Zickryous Bryd, to give the pledge of allegiance at the MPS School Board Meeting. He also serves as a page in both the Alabama State Senate and the Alabama State House of Representatives, gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process. This experience has allowed him to meet the Governor of the State of Alabama Kay Ivey, Senate President Pro Temp Garlan Gudger Jr., and Senator Sam H. Givhan, have in-depth and meaningful conversations with leaders like Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, State Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston, Senator Kirk Hatcher, Senator William Beasley, Senator Vivian Figures, Senator Robert Stewart, Senator Rodger Smitherman, Senator April Weaver, and many more state senators and executive assistants.

A student at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Khristopher was appointed as an Ambassador for the 2026 BTW Showcase and currently serves as Vice President of the Gentlemen of Distinction club. He previously served as Vice President of the Baldwin Arts & Academics Student Council and as Acting President of that council.

As a youth advocate, Khristopher is dedicated to amplifying young voices and promoting civic engagement, leadership, and community service. Through his involvement in government, education, and public service, he works to ensure that young people are informed, represented, and empowered to lead.

Beyond school and service, Khristopher is the creator and host of Let’s Talk with Khris, a podcast focused on gaining knowledge from elected officials, business leaders, and public servants. Through the platform, he has conducted in-depth conversations with leaders including President & Chairman of the Montgomery City Council, President Cornelius “CC” Calhoun, Chief of Operations for Montgomery Fire Rescue, Chief Eddie Gauntt, and many more to come.

Through advocacy, education, and service, Khristopher Gardner continues to demonstrate that young people can lead with purpose, speak with conviction, and shape the future of law and politics.

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