POWERGRAMS

In 1940, Helen Keller wrote, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Some of the best adventures are offered through travel, with the thrill of not knowing all that awaits. That's part of the excitement of visiting new places, said Birmingham Division Energizers Jane and Wayne Lewis. Seeing far-off lands and other parts of the U.S. has added extra dimension to the Lewis' lives since Wayne's 2005 retirement after 33 years in Power Delivery Distribution in Birmingham Division. The couple has enjoyed travel on their own and with Energizers Travel, formerly led by Martha and Horace Waugh, who are turning over travel leadership to the Lewis'. "We have enjoyed this type of travel and that's one reason Jane and I have agreed to take leadership of Energizers Travel," Wayne Lewis said. It's a natural fit: Jane organized the couple's trips to Europe and beyond for years prior to their retirement. Energizers Travel will give company retirees the chance to tour the U.S. and travel to many foreign countries two to three times a year. About 15 Energizers toured Montana in August, taking in the gorgeous terrain and enjoying a rafting trip on the Flathead River, which has easygoing rapids. Travel is arranged by Collette Tours, a 106-year-old company known for providing world-class experiences. Because of current travel demand, trips must be scheduled at least a year ahead and may fill up quickly. Lewis said it's important to sign up early. Tours on tap Energizers will visit Ireland in April 2025 and tour Michigan's Mackinac Island during the Tulip Time Festival in May 2025. The tour starts in Chicago and includes a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. "This trip works well for those who don't want to travel overseas," he said. In December 2025, Energizers will enjoy a cruise down the Danube River, allowing travelers to visit Austria and Germany and partake in famous Christmas markets along the way. Energizers Coordinator Kim Savage is excited that the organization is again offering travel. "While it's not required, it's very strongly encouraged that folks who want to travel with the Energizers actually join Energizers," Savage said. For more information and to see travel brochures, email EnergizersTravel@gmail.com or call Jane Lewis at 205-902-1207. By Donna Cope Lakeisha Russaw, Southeast Division community relations specialist, has been named the 2024 alumnus of the year for Wallace Community College's Sparks Campus in Eufaula, Alabama. The award honors individuals who have achieved distinction through their professional and/or personal accomplishments and have leveraged their experiences to positively impact others. "Lakeisha Russaw's career achievements and active involvement in numerous leadership and community organizations reflect the values and education she received from Wallace Community College," said Linda Young, Ph.D., president of Wallace Community College. "We were honored to recognize her as the Sparks Campus Alumnus of the Year for 2024." Russaw was not a traditional student who started her college studies immediately after high school. In fact, she did not graduate from Wallace until her youngest daughter graduated high school in 2018. "It was important to me to set a good example for my children and to show them the benefits of getting a college education," Russaw said. Two of her three children followed in her footsteps, earning degrees from Wallace Community College. An Abbeville native, Russaw decided to pursue her higher education at Wallace Community College for several reasons. "My decision to pursue Wallace was easy," she said. "Wallace Community College is close to home, and there were people in my hometown who worked at the college and were always talking about the benefits of attending Wallace." Before earning her degree, Russaw already had an established career at Alabama Power. She joined the company in 2006 as a customer service representative in the Abbeville business office. Throughout the past 18 years, Russaw's dedication and talent propelled her through a series of roles before leading to her current position. "Lakeisha Russaw has been an invaluable member of our Southeast Division External team, and we are incredibly proud of her being named alumnus of the year by Wallace Community College- Sparks Campus," said Chere Johnson, Southeast Division area manager. "Her willingness to lead and collaborative spirit are valued on our team; her achievements reflect the high standards and community values we uphold." In addition to her career achievements, Russaw is a driving force in her community, serving on the boards of the Alabama Power Service Organization, Dale County Youth Leadership and the Russell County Education Foundation. She has also been actively involved with Lead Wiregrass, Leadership Barbour and East Alabama Leadership. Russaw was honored as the 2022 volunteer of the year for the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce after serving as an ambassador. Russaw said she was initially in disbelief when she learned about her alumnus of the year honors. "It's a tremendous honor to be recognized as Wallace Community College Alumnus of the Year for the Sparks Campus," Russaw said. "The past few years of my life have been life-altering but helping and pouring into others has helped me in so many ways." Her husband, Eric, who was also a Wallace Community College graduate, died in February 2021. Russaw is instilling hope and creating a path of success for future Wallace students by establishing the Eric Russaw Memorial Scholarship in his name. The scholarship will be given to a student from Abbeville or Eufaula high schools who is majoring in a career technical program. The first scholarship will be awarded this fall. For Russaw, receiving this honor is a full- circle achievement. She believes her time at Wallace Community College helped her personal development, especially her determination, and sees this recognition as an opportunity to set a positive example. "My time at Wallace shaped my career and professional success, to know that I can achieve anything when I don't quit. To seek out help when you don't know which route to take. Believe in your ability to do great things and most importantly, pay it forward," Russaw said. "I hope that one day someone will remember me for choosing to be an encourager and helping to guide them along the way." By Teisha Wallace Russaw named alumnus of the year at Wallace Community College-Sparks Energizers Travel revs up adventure for retirees Wallace Community College President Young (left) honored Russaw. (contributed) 3

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