POWERGRAMS

7 At the tender age of 18, Kyle Phillips has already faced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. After major health scares twice in nine months, Phillips graduated at the top of his class at Baldwin County High School. But the icing on the cake for him was being selected as the Alabama Power Foundation's 2014 Presidential Scholar. "What would have been a sad, sad period was actually very happy," said the son of Ken Phillips, Bay Minette local operations lineman. "I wanted to graduate with my friends, and I did it. I also got the scholarship from the foundation, and that lifted a huge burden off my shoulders and off my parents' shoulders." One of the lowest points came on April 11—just five hours after Phillips got the word he'd won the Presidential Scholar. He was on the field playing the last soccer game of the season when his lung collapsed. Phillips had faced a similar experience last August when the same lung collapsed while he ran in a cross-country track meet at his school. "I recognized the pain when it happened again in April. It was a unique, indescribable pain in my chest and back," said Phillips, who was rushed to the hospital. "In ICU, there were seven doctors and nurses standing over me, probing me, taking blood and asking questions. The day went from a celebration to chaos in a few hours." Phillips underwent two surgeries to remove 30 percent his lung. After his release from the hospital a week later, Phillips, riding in a wheelchair, visited the University of Alabama and Auburn University with his parents to check out the campuses. Just as Phillips began regaining his strength, he was readmitted to the hospital when a routine X-ray showed signs that his lung was again collapsing. He underwent two additional surgeries in which tubes were inserted to draw excess air from his lung. A hole in his lung was also repaired. Phillips said at 6 feet tall, he is a prime candidate for a condition known as spontaneous pneumothorax, which most often affects tall, slender males. Despite 17 days in the hospital and four surgeries, Phillips reached his goal of graduating with his class. Carrying an oxygen bottle, he walked the stage to accept his diploma, graduating with a class leading 4.36 GPA. "I've always set long-term goals," said Phillips. "I knew I wanted that top ranking, so I did what I had to do, even taking my finals in the hospital." Looking ahead, Phillips' next ambition is to become a corporate lawyer. To that end, he plans to pursue a major in finance at the University of Alabama in the fall before moving on to law school. Phillips' interest in law was sparked last summer when he served as an Alabama Boys State delegate. As part of Boys State Week on the campus in Tuscaloosa, Phillips got a look at the nuts and bolts of the law field during a two-day course and was the judge in a mock trial. "I got to meet and interact with some big names – Gov. Bentley, the mayors of Birmingham and Montgomery, and some influential state leaders," said Phillips. "I'd already been thinking about being a lawyer. But I guess meeting all those people, being involved with that trial and going through that condensed version of law school really influenced me." During his senior year, Phillips was president of the executive student council and headed many events aimed at improving the school's image. He helped set up an in-house television network and co-hosted a daily newscast broadcast shown in every classroom. Other achievements and activities included National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, French Club president, varsity soccer captain, varsity cross-country track team and Student Advisory Council for the Baldwin County Board of Education. Phillips serves on the youth leadership team at First Baptist Church of Bay Minette and has gone on mission trips to Michigan and Tennessee. Phillips was honored as this year's Presidential Scholar at a luncheon at Alabama Power's Corporate Headquarters on June 9. The four-year scholarship is annually given to a high school senior who is a dependent of an employee or retiree and is based on academic achievement, standardized test results, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership and financial considerations. Alabama Power Chairman, President and CEO Mark Crosswhite presented Phillips an engraved crystal trophy and a Skagen Denmark watch as a keepsake. Phillips' name will be added to the list of Presidential Scholars prominently displayed on a plaque in the headquarters atrium. "Kyle, I congratulate you on receiving this award," said Crosswhite. "You have earned it. The activities you're involved in and the hours you give back to the community speak to your character and work ethic. You have a bright future ahead." By Carla Davis Presidential Scholar EDUCATION Kyle Phillips listens to Crosswhite. Photos by Wynter Byrd HONOREE OVERCAME OBSTACLES TO GRADUATE AT TOP OF CLASS Davey and Amy Grote, Sonia Phillips, Kyle Phillips, Ken Phillips, Leanne Phillips and Kristen Phillips at Presidential Scholar luncheon.

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