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7 There are times we all need a push in the right direction. One young student, who sat close to pro golfer Esteban Toledo as he hosted the Alabama Power Junior Golf Clinic at Shoal Creek, initially rejected his request to take a few swings. When asked why she declined, she confessed she was afraid. Not to be deterred, Toledo pressed again and she took him up on his offer. Minutes later, she had won the challenge Toledo issued, knocking a golf ball more than 50 feet and winning $20. It was a lesson in action, scored right on the golf course. Alabama Power's annual clinic for students was held on a picture-perfect morning on the driving range, in advance of the Regions Tradition. More than 300 students observed, with some getting hands-on practice swings, as Toledo shared principles that helped him excel in life, and strategies that honed his game. The Mexicali, Mexico native shared how he overcame great odds to succeed in golf. Toledo said he was exposed to the game as a youngster picking up golf balls on a hometown driving range. "You can overcome anything," he said. "I grew up poor in Mexico, the youngest of 11 children, and have had much success as a golfer here in America. Don't ever forget you live in a great country." Toledo, who also had a brief career as a boxer, is the founder of the Esteban Toledo Family Foundation. He was a member of the PGA Tour in 1994 and from 1998–2004. He became the first Mexican to win on the Champions Tour with a playoff victory in the 2013 Insperity Championship. The Alabama Power event was conducted with the help of The First Tee, which exposes youngsters to golf who may not otherwise have a chance to take part in the sport. The program's core values include honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, courtesy, perseverance and judgment. Southern Company, Alabama Power's parent company, is a partner/sponsor of The First Tee program. By Keisa Sharpe Youngsters reach First Tee EDUCATION Pro golfer Toldeo spoke to youngsters at Alabama Power event. Photos by Christopher Jones PRO GOLFER TOLEDO LEADS ANNUAL JUNIOR GOLF CLINIC Toldeo demonstrated swing before the Regions Tradition.