Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1021328
15 traveled as far as Texas to compete in the famed Tournament of Roses Rodeo at the Old Cow Town Coliseum in Fort Worth. Sarah Hannah is a member of the World Barrel Racing League, the National Barrel Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. She has won about 30 belt buckles, the coveted prizes for riding the fastest horse in a barrel racing event. "My dad is a team roper, and he would take me to rodeo ropings with him when I was little," said Sarah Hannah. "That's where I fell in love with horses and learned about barrel racing. I love the speed and thrill of the race." Sarah Hannah's passion actually began as a toddler. Before she had turned 2 years old, Kip sat her atop a horse for a Christmas card photo, and she's often been on horseback since that day. "Horse riding is an all day, every day ordeal," said Sarah Hannah, who rides at her family's 280- acre farm in Abbeville. "You feed, groom and exercise the horses in the morning and again in the afternoon. We have to work with them all the time to keep them in shape because they are just like athletes." In addition to her time in the rodeo ring, Sarah Hannah has been busy in and out of the classroom. She was vice president of Headland High's Future Farmers of America chapter, where she helped coordinate school fall festivals and harvest days, petting zoos for kids and fruit sales. Sarah Hannah was a member of the student government association, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and yearbook staff, and competed on her school's cross-country team. Sarah Hannah's volunteer efforts have centered on sharing her love of horses with children. As an equine camp instructor, she helped teach kids how to feed, groom, exercise, saddle and ride horses. She has volunteered as a Lifesavers Hippotherapy facilitator, working with special needs kids to improve their motor skills using the movement of a horse. During her free time, Sarah Hannah likes to take what she calls "adventures." That could include fishing, deer hunting or a quiet walk through the woods – anything that gets her outdoors. "We're very proud of Sarah Hannah and what she has accomplished in her life and through her barrel racing," Kip said. "All I've ever wanted is for her to try her best and excel in everything she does, and she has done that 100 percent." Alabama Power President and CEO Mark Crosswhite presented the scholarship to Sarah Hannah at a luncheon at Corporate Headquarters on July 18, and awarded her with a specially engraved plaque in recognition of the day. Her name will be included with past recipients on a plaque that hangs in the atrium. "Sarah Hannah, I want to congratulate you for all your hard work," Crosswhite said. "It's always special to meet young people like you who will be the driving force in the next generation. We are truly honored to have a small part in helping you prepare for your future career." Kip, Meredith and Sarah Hannah Platt, with Crosswhite Retiree Clayton Sarah Hannah accepts award.