Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1265564
12 lexandria Driver has always been a helper. Whether volunteering at the Dora Mission of Hope handing out groceries or helping her great- grandfather's hospice nurse around the house, she wanted to take care of people. Now, she'll follow that dream to Wallace State Community College, studying to become a nurse practitioner. Alexandria, who goes by "Alex," is the winner of the Alabama Power Foundation's 2020 Presidential Scholar award, which covers tuition and fees for a two-year college or university in Alabama. The scholarship is presented annually to an outstanding high school senior whose parent is an Alabama Power employee or retiree. It is based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, participation in extracurricular activities and leadership. For Alex and her parents, the scholarship is a blessing. Alex's mother and stepfather work at Miller Steam Plant. Her mother, Jamie Odell, is an employee development coordinator and stepfather, Jason Odell, is a maintenance specialist. "We know the good Alabama Power does in communities around the state, but to have the foundation choose Alex for this scholarship reemphasizes that the company invests in its employees," wrote Jamie and Jason. "Not only has the company supported us in the past and throughout our daily lives, now they're helping to make her dream a reality. We could never say thank you enough!" "Investing in the future of students like Alex is an honor," said Myla Calhoun, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. "We have a deep appreciation for dedicated nurses, so supporting the next generation of medical professionals is one more way we continue to elevate Alabama." A graduate of Dora High School, Alex wrapped up her truncated senior year with a 4.0 GPA, honors and achievements, including four years of perfect attendance and ranking in the top 15% of her class. She was a cheerleader, yearbook photography contributor and in organizations like Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Key Club, Beta Club, Student Government Association, Alabama Power Service Organization and Youth Leadership. Some of Alex's most memorable moments in school came from cheerleading, especially when her squad competed in nationals at Walt Disney World. She helps pass on her love of the sport to the next generation when she volunteers with Dora Park and Recreation's peewee cheerleading camps. Along with serving as head cheerleader, Alex held other leadership positions, including FCCLA president, Key Club vice president, senior class secretary and Beta Club treasurer. "For Beta Club, we had to stand in front of the entire school and speak, which was pretty terrifying," she said. "But those experiences helped me not be afraid of trying new things and helped improve my public speaking skills." Even with cheerleading and club involvement, Alex always found time to give back. "I love going to nonprofi ts and seeing what they do and being able to help out. The Beta Club used to go to Mission of Hope every week and hand out groceries to people. Their faces would always smile and light up with gratitude. I like getting to interact with people when I volunteer." Alex initially became interested in nursing and becoming a nurse practitioner when she saw the medical professionals taking care of her great- grandparents. Her great-grandmother had colon cancer and her great- grandfather battled Alzheimer's. Alex had opportunities to help take care of both of her great-grandparents and see fi rsthand the dedication nurses have for their patients. Typically, the last few months of school would have been fi lled with proms, graduation parties and saying goodbye to classmates. Instead, Alex has been staying at home working puzzles, planting fl owers and cooking with her mom. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended normalcy across the Presidential Scholar is dedicated to helping others through nursing EDUCATION