Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1021328
14 Sarah Hannah Platt is as comfortable atop her horse, Izzy, as she is on her feet. That's why it's no surprise she has chosen a career that will allow her to focus on horses and other animals. Platt in August began her freshman year at Wallace Community College in Dothan, where she is pursuing a degree in poultry science – a field she resisted until realizing the opportunities it offers. She plans to continue her studies at Auburn University later with an eye to working in animal pharmaceuticals. "Last fall, several people mentioned to Sarah Hannah that she ought to consider poultry science because she could use it to branch out into other fields," said her mom, Meredith. "Then, I told her she might want to check more closely into that program, and she said, 'You're the fourth person who has brought it up to me. It must be a sign.'" The Alabama Power Foundation is helping Sarah Hannah pursue her new dream. The daughter of Kip Platt, Headland distribution specialist, and granddaughter of Walter Clayton, retired Clayton Office manager, Sarah Hannah received the foundation's first-ever two-year Presidential Scholarship, which pays tuition and fees for a two-year degree or technical certificate. "I'm very blessed to have won this scholarship," Sarah Hannah said. "I know my parents were ready to do everything they could to give me the best education possible, but this scholarship means I can be a debt- free college student, and that's a huge relief off my shoulders." Remaining close to home while in college is a big advantage, Sarah Hannah said. When she's not in the classroom or cracking the books, she will have time to pursue her longtime passion, barrel racing. In this rodeo event, a horse and rider quickly weave through a cloverleaf pattern of three barrels, competing for the fastest time. Sarah Hannah has been a competitive barrel racer for six years. Along with facing off at events in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, she and Izzy have EDUCATION B A R R E L R A C I N G C H A M P I O N H A S C O L L E G E F O C U S O N H E L P I N G A N I M A L S Opportunity Knocks BY CARLA DAVIS • EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIK LAYMAN Sarah Hannah Platt with award trophy.