POWERGRAMS

Josie Howell (top and center below) with Joe and mom Heather Julian PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR WAS STANDOUT AT FAIRHOPE HIGH It might seem that engineering and medicine are at opposite ends of the spectrum. But Josie Howell intends to combine both fields to make a real difference for people with heart disease. "I always loved math and science, and wanted to be in healthcare, but I don't like blood," said Josie. "When college became more of a reality a couple of years ago and I started researching how I could combine my passions for math, science and medicine, I thought about my grandfather who had heart disease, and had lived with a pacemaker and an artificial valve. I realized that I could design medical devices like those used in the cardiac field, and I could still help people without having to pick up a scalpel." Josie, 18, said her ultimate goal is to open her own business, where she will develop and design new, more efficient medical devices. The Alabama Power Foundation will have a hand in helping her realize that dream. The winner of the foundation's four-year Presidential Scholarship, Josie will take the first step on that path when she heads to Auburn University in August with plans to major in biomedical engineering. The foundation awards two Presidential Scholarships – one that covers tuition and fees at a four- year public college or university in Alabama and another that pays for tuition and fees for a two-year degree or technical certification. In recognition of Josie's accomplishments, the foundation will add her name to the list of past Presidential Scholar winners displayed on a plaque in the Corporate Headquarters atrium. Josie's parents, Joe and Heather Julian, said with the cost of paying for a four-year college ahead of them, the scholarship is a "lifesaver." "We couldn't be happier or more proud of Josie," said Julian, assistant plant control operator at Barry Steam Plant. "She has always had an 'Leadership doesn't need a title' idea about what she wants to do. She's very driven and determined, and it shows in her work." When her mom told Josie she had won the scholarship, they both cried. "I was so excited," Josie said. "On top of worrying about a difficult major, I was very concerned with the financial aspect of the next four years and didn't want to put that burden on my parents. I am beyond thankful for the relief that this scholarship has brought me. Now, I will be able to focus solely on my education without the worry of making ends meet. Since high achievement has always been a top priority of mine, I am thrilled to now be able to dedicate myself to attaining my goals without any monetary distractions." Josie is a graduate of Fairhope High School with a 4.3 grade point average. She was selected for the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, was a member of the 30+ ACT Club and achieved the honor roll throughout school. She was involved in many organizations, including Project Outreach, Girls Service Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Nature Connect and Marine Life Club. "I was in a lot of clubs, but I didn't try for a leadership role because, to me, leadership doesn't need a title. It just needs confidence," she said. Along with her academic achievements in the classroom, Josie has played soccer since age 12. She works as a referee for games sponsored by the Fairhope Soccer Club and the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Volunteering in the community is a big part of her life. Josie's favorite way to give back, she said, is helping to distribute toys to needy children at Christmas as part of her church's Giving Hope program. She is also involved in many volunteer projects at school. Josie plays games, eats lunch and simply EDUCATION 12 2022 S C H O L AR SH I PS

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