POWERGRAMS

4 For high school juniors across west Alabama, the Alabama Power Youth Leadership Conference is always a highlight. For 13 years, students have traveled to Tuscaloosa to hear from inspiring speakers about leadership qualities and what it means to be successful. More than 450 students from 30 schools attended on Feb. 11 at the Bryant Conference Center. Students were chosen by teachers and counselors to participate in the event as leaders of their schools. "The Youth Leadership Conference is special to this area because we are able to help students realize their potential and the options they have for the future," said Joseph Brown, Western Division area manager and conference master of ceremonies. "By helping them, we are building stronger communities and, in turn, a stronger state." An array of speakers contributed to the inspirational theme of overcoming obstacles to make one's own success, including: • Tom McNeal, Workforce Development specialist for Southern Company Services • Andrea Mayfield, president of Shelton State Community College • Noah Galloway, U.S. Army veteran • Bud Cason, owner and CEO of Bud's Best Cookies • Cedric Sparks, executive director of the Birmingham/Mayor's Office Division of Youth Services. Speakers drew from their experiences and spoke about obstacles they overcame. As a professional cyclist, McNeal surprised the audience by making a special entrance: wheeling down the aisle and hopping on the stage on his bike. While McNeal thrilled the crowd with bike tricks, his message of setting goals resonated with students. Mayfield challenged students to be passionate about something and pursue it. She described her childhood and how her love of learning led to a career in higher education. She stressed to students that it doesn't matter where you start in life, it's where you finish. The audience was moved by Galloway's lecture. The veteran, who lost an arm and leg serving in Afghanistan, shared a powerful story of overcoming injuries and depression by adopting a "No Excuses" mentality. He stressed that heroes and leaders come in all shapes, sizes and ages. "You have all heard that you are our future leaders," Galloway said. "But you can't wait until the future and when you are older to become a leader. The future is now." After providing cookies to everyone in the audience, Cason encouraged students to follow their dreams. He recalled working in his aunt's bakery and knowing at the age of 12 that he wanted to make and sell cookies for a living. More than 50 years and millions of cookies later, he is doing just that. Cason said the secret to success is attitude. "Don't say you have to do something! You get to do something! That is the difference!" said an energetic Cason. "Remember that, and you will always be successful." Sparks closed the day asking students, "Are you living the dream or are you part of the nightmare?" Through his fast talking and use of pop culture references, students were laughing, cheering and clapping throughout Sparks' presentation. He said to be successful, it is important to "do your best, avoid the mess and realize you are blessed." Western Division employees volunteered throughout the day to ensure the success of the conference. "We were excited to have a great lineup of speakers and an excellent group of volunteers who make this event happen every year," said Jenna Madison, Western Division market specialist and conference chairwoman. "By doing this, we are making a difference in the lives of these students." By Anna Catherine Roberson Western Youth Leadership Conference brings inspiring messages to 11th-graders EDUCATION Speaker Galloway, right, challenged Brown to a pushup contest. McNeal jumped his bicycle over Distribution Engineer Nick Sewell. Photos by Anna Catherine Roberson

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