POWERGRAMS

The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded merit-based scholarships to 22 exceptional students. Since 1991, the foundation has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships. The foundation will accept scholarship applications from Jan. 6 - Feb. 14, 2025, for next year. Dependent children of Alabama Power employees and retirees are eligible. To be eligible, students must be a high school senior or a post-secondary graduate. Twenty scholarships for $2,500 will be given to students attending a four-year college or students pursuing a skill at a technical or vocational school. Two presidential scholarships for an in-state school will be awarded: One for a four-year public college and one for a vocational, technical or associates program. Alabama Power Foundation awards scholarships to employees' children 20 students awarded Alabama Power Foundation $2,500 scholarships • Heidi Armstrong, University of Alabama, elementary education. • Hannah Austin, Auburn University, nursing. • Aaron Barrett, University of Alabama, biochemistry. • Chasity Broadhead, Faulkner University, criminal justice. • Shelby Brown, University of Alabama, nursing. • Peyton Burrell, Auburn University, elementary education. • Zoe Champion, University of Alabama, kinesiology. • Makenzi Cleveland, Auburn University, forensic psychology. • Julie Cox, Troy University, elementary education. • Will Dekle, Auburn University, pre-med. • Aniya Dunn, Alcorn State University, nursing. • Christian Fain, Auburn University, mechanical engineering. • Allyssa Gonzalez, Shelton State, nursing. • Jessica Ma, Yale University, biochemistry. • Jayden Mabien, Auburn University, professional flight. • Katie McDonald, University of Alabama, nursing. • Allison Scott, Auburn University. • Addison Spigener, University of Alabama, speech language pathology. • Caroline Torres, Auburn University, biology and music. • Abigail Waters, University of Alabama, elementary education. Thanks to the 2024 Presidential Award Scholarship, Kennedy Allen is on her way to achieving her long-held dream of becoming a veterinarian. Kennedy was honored by the Alabama Power Foundation during a luncheon in July, with her family attending. "She has always been sweet and humble. She's a go-getter – I saw that at an early age," said Kennedy's mom, Rachel Allen, Workforce Operations associate in Online Customer Care at Corporate Headquarters. Rachel Allen noted her daughter stayed busy at Shades Valley High School in Irondale: She played varsity softball and was a cheerleader, was a chairman on the student council and was tapped for the National Honor Society. Outside school, Kennedy has always loved being in nature, spending time outdoors and with animals. After Kennedy got her dog, Brooklyn, in 2014, she said, "I truly fell in love with her and other animals, and I truly think they contribute so much to our lives, I should do the same and try to help them." Her 12th-grade counselor, Jared Mills, said Kennedy always achieved at the highest level and earned 31 college credits in high school – the most he saw in the Class of 2024. Kennedy noted that education has always been important to her. "My mom and my grandfather have pushed education and motivated me to do a lot and to get involved," she said. "It's always been a big part of my growing up." During her junior year in high school, Career and Technical Education Coach Necetta Marks told Kennedy about a summer veterinarian program at Tuskegee University and helped her apply. Kennedy attended the summer camp in 2023. "She knew right then she wanted to be a veterinarian," Rachel Allen said. This fall, Kennedy entered Tuskegee University, the nation's only historically Black college or university with a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine that offers a doctoral degree. The university produces more than 75% of the world's African American veterinarians. She is studying animal and pre-veterinary science in hopes of attending veterinary school. "I kind of want to incorporate a little bit of law into that, too, to maybe become a lawmaker for the USDA," Kennedy said. "The scholarship will definitely help me in funding my education and my academic endeavors. It was just like a weight off my shoulders because I was trying to figure out how I was going to be able to pay for tuition and college, especially since it is a private institution," she said. Jaycee Quinn is on the fast track. With plans to go into radiology, the two-year Presidential Scholarship Award winner is attending Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery, where she plans to earn an associate's degree, then enter the workforce. It was Jaycee's dedication that first distinguished her among a graduating class of 52 during her Verbena High School career. Described by her parents, Rhonda and Dustin Quinn, as an "old soul," Jaycee never gave her family anything to worry about. Indeed, mom Rhonda said their daughter had never acted much like a kid. "She's a hard worker, dedicated, dependable," Rhonda said about Jaycee, who was named 2022 County Softball Player of the Year by The Clanton Advertiser. "She's been excellent all her life," said her father, a local operations lineman for Southern Field Services - Montgomery Power Delivery Crew Headquarters. "Growing up, she's been well-mannered, always made good grades. Coming up through school, all her teachers and coaches spoke respectfully about her." Allen Brothers, Verbena High's head football coach, who also coached Jaycee in softball, said it was no surprise Jaycee excelled. "A great young lady, came to school every day, ready to learn," he said about Jaycee. "She made good grades, constantly good quality work, excited about her work. "She's just an extremely gifted young lady in a lot of different ways," Brothers said. "I want to see her be super successful, but I really want her to keep that attitude that she has, that ability to see the world as something that she can accomplish and achieve whatever she wants to achieve. "And when I see her in five, eight or ten years, however long it is, she's going to be very successful in what she's trying to do," her former coach added. Hunting, fishing and softball are among Jaycee's favorite things. "You couldn't ask for any kid better than she's been," Dustin said. "She's just a special, special girl … a gift from God." "And I've always wanted the best for Jaycee," Rhonda said, with tears welling in her eyes. "I couldn't ask for a better daughter." "My parents are great – I wouldn't ask for any other," Jaycee said. After applying for the scholarship, Jaycee was surprised and honored to learn she'd won. Her family is thankful for the opportunities provided by the Alabama Power Foundation and the award. By Donna Cope Four-year Presidential Scholar studying veterinary science at Tuskegee University Two-year Presidential Scholar studying radiology at Trenholm State 4

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