POWERGRAMS

Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, sometimes the greatest love – and the most caring and patience – is birthed in adversity. Such is the case with Jake Craft, a 26-year-old who shares his talents and caring spirit with children at the Burkett Center, which assists disabled students in Jefferson County. In honor of Craft helping improve children's lives, the Alabama Power Foundation awarded him a $1,000 New Teacher Grant. Craft has given back since he was 15, first serving as a teaching assistant for special-needs children at the Rise School in Tuscaloosa. "I know how important early intervention programs are, because I attended special programs when I was younger," said Craft, who as a 1-year-old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. "The earlier you receive the services, the bigger the impact. "The doctors thought I had a stroke in utero, before I was born, probably in the third trimester," said Craft, who endures mild weakness on his left side. "I'm very right dominant – I do everything with my right side. I can still play sports, but it's harder." Like the students he teaches, Craft deals with differences. Growing up in Aliceville, life was normal for Craft until he was 13. While sleeping, he was awakened by "tons of things crashing" and incredible heat. "My house was engulfed in flames," Craft said. "I got out of bed and the heat knocked me back. The one window in my room had a window unit. I wasn't strong enough to get it out." In a panic, Craft pushed on the air-conditioning unit as hard as he could, to no avail. Just as all seemed lost, his father ripped the unit out and pulled his son to safety. About 75 percent of Craft's body was burned. He spent the next 56 days at Children's Hospital. Enduring intense pain, for the next two years he had many surgeries to remove damaged skin and tissue. "It's an everyday struggle with burn issues," Craft said. "But today I feel good. For me, I look at it as one of those things you go through. You have to keep a positive outlook." Craft majored in early childhood special education at the University of Alabama. While working at Rise School, Craft met Jennifer Kilgo, a University of Alabama at Birmingham professor. Craft received a grant to study at UAB and earned his master's degree in August 2013. Kilgo was so impressed with Craft's work with Rise students that she nominated him for the foundation grant. On March 1, Gardendale Office Manager Rasheeda Burton presented the check. The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded New Teacher Grants since 1995. "Our educators have a critical role in preparing leaders of tomorrow and we are honored to assist them by providing these grants," said Foundation President John Hudson. Craft is using the grant to buy language-building materials, furniture and sensory equipment for his students. He said the difficulties he has faced inspire him to help others. "The things I've gone through have impacted my life," he said. "It's made me who I am today. "I was very grateful and honored to be chosen for this teacher grant," he said. "I am so grateful to Dr. Kilgo for nominating me, and so grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation." By Donna Cope Grant helps Craft better lives EDUCATION Craft encourages student at the Burkett Center. 4 Photos by Billy Brown Craft won $1,000 grant for his classroom. 2014 New Teacher Grants • Sara Arsman, McDonnell Elementary – Athens State University • Annette Chambers, Oliver Elementary – Troy University • Kristan Etheridge, Griggs Elementary – University of South Alabama • Kristin Flannagan, Deshler High – University of North Alabama • Jake Green, Piedmont High – Jacksonville State University • Christopher Johnson, Davis-Emerson Middle – University of Alabama • Ella Johnson, Marbury High – Auburn University at Montgomery • Shannon Lee, Clanton Elementary – University of Montevallo • Loryn Lemberg, Buckhorn High – University of Alabama in Huntsville • Nicole Mitchell, W.F. Burns Middle – Auburn University • Reginald Pearson, Westlawn Middle – Alabama A&M University • Bobby Jay Sparks, Payne Elementary – Alabama State University • Alvin Wiggins, Jerry Lee Faine Elementary – Troy (Dothan Campus).

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