POWERGRAMS

4 Thirty years ago, Ronald Reagan was president, Microsoft Windows 1.0 was released and "Back to the Future" was No. 1 at the box office. While 1985 proved to be an important year for politics, technology and pop culture, it also marked the beginning of a partnership that has lasted into the 21st century. In 1985, Alabama Power was part of four charter partnerships created to build the foundation for the Tuscaloosa Adopt-A- School program, an initiative bringing together the business and education sectors through the Chamber of Commerce and city and county school systems. This past May, the Adopt-A-School program had its 30th anniversary. As part of the celebration, Alabama Power was recognized for its long-standing partnership with Oak Hill School. Alabama Power and Oak Hill School are one of three partnerships to last the entire 30 years. Alabama Power employees have been involved with many projects at Oak Hill, including building a pond for the students to learn more about ecosystems, helping with a new greenhouse and butterfly garden, and providing school supplies at the beginning of each school year. Along with special projects, Alabama Power employees have worked many hours at the school's fall festival, field day, Special Olympics and prom. Students have learned firsthand what it's like to be a lineman through a job shadowing day at the school. "Our long-standing commitment to Oak Hill School has been successful because of our volunteers and their desire to give back to our community," said Joseph Brown, Western Division Area manager and Adopt-A-School volunteer. "It is a privilege to work with the students and teachers at Oak Hill throughout the school year and I hope we can continue it for another 30 years." While Alabama Power volunteers have given a lot to the school, many say the students have given back the most. "The students at Oak Hill are an inspiration to those who volunteer with the program," said Nick Sewell, an engineer in Western Division and regular volunteer at the school. "It has been a blessing to me to be given the opportunity to help continue this outstanding partnership over the past couple of years." Sissy Spath, an engineering clerk in Tuscaloosa, has been involved with the program for nine years and finds it fulfilling to spend time with students. "There's something rewarding when you see happy faces during a pizza party to celebrate their Student of the Month, or the laughter you hear when you have a schoolwide ice cream party," said Spath. "I feel very privileged to work with them, and I look forward to our continued partnership." By Anna Catherine Roberson Western Division employees celebrate 30-year partnership EDUCATION Western Division employees volunteer for various projects at Oak Hill School.

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