POWERGRAMS

The Leading Edge x xxx x xxxxx x xxxxxxx x xxx xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxx x xxx xxxx x xxxxxxxxx xxx x xxx Alabama Power has been on the ground floor establishing youth leadership programs at high schools in four counties in the Southeast Division. Ozark Manager Vann Bradshaw got the ball rolling in Geneva County in 2010 during his stint as office manager in Florala and Geneva. He is on the board of the Dale County Youth Leadership Program. "The ultimate goal is to do this year after year after year and basically grow your own leadership in these counties," said Southeast Division Area Manager John McLean. "The next generation of leaders is growing up now. Why wouldn't or shouldn't we at Alabama Power be involved with the future leaders of our communities?" Abbeville Business Office Manager David Norwood and Headland Business Office Manager Chere Johnson set up the program in Henry County. Tracy Dismukes, Business Office supervisor Ashford/Slocomb, and Geneva Business Office Manager Boyce Hood work the program in Geneva County. McLean and Community Relations Specialist Katie Thomas helped get the program re-started in Barbour County. "I give the managers credit for seeing the value of investing in our kids in the skill of leadership, and getting us involved," McLean said. The programs recruit outstanding students during their sophomore year. After a nomination and selection process, the chosen students spend a day each month visiting businesses and industries in their counties and meeting with business, government and community leaders. "It's truly an outstanding program," said Geneva High School Principal Mickey Bennett. "They get to see different businesses and venues in our county they ordinarily would not get to see. They go with other kids who have leadership qualities. They share, collaborate and make friends with each other. It's really a great program." In Geneva County, the effort is called the Warren Beck Leadership Program, named after the late state representative who championed youth leadership as a way to draw business and industry to the county. On average, 12 to 15 students apply at Geneva High, Bennett said, and four are chosen, as are four from each of the three county high schools. Commercial Bank of Ozark President Charlie Harper, who is vice president of the Ozark City School System Board of Education, raved about the program at Carroll High School. SOUTHEAST YOUTHS GET HEAD START ON INFLUENCING WORLD BY GILBERT NICHOLSON 27 Photography by Ted Tucker

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