POWERGRAMS

15 For as long as he can remember, Connor Posey has known he would one day pursue a career in medicine. When his mom became ill, that medical dream became even more important. "I've always wanted to go into the medical field," said Connor. "But aer my mom found out she had colon cancer a year ago, I saw the impact it has had not only on her but my whole family. I realized that through medicine, I can have the opportunity to impact the lives of both patients and their families, show them compassion and help them through one of the most difficult times in their lives." The son of Tom Posey, meter tester at Tuscaloosa Crew Headquarters, the 17-year-old will take the first step toward his goal of becoming an anesthesiologist when he enters UAB in the fall. He was inspired to pursue that specialty by his cousin, who is an anesthesiologist in Chicago. "I can have a one-on-one relationship with the patient and their family," Connor said. "I'm a Christian, and I'd like to show people that it's not me who is helping them get beer. It's God working through me to perform a miracle." Connor, who graduated from Oakman High School with a 4.16 GPA, is the Alabama Power Foundation's 2017 Presidential Scholar. This four-year scholarship is presented to an outstanding high school senior who is a dependent of an Alabama Power employee or retiree. It covers full tuition and mandatory fees at a public college in Alabama. The award is based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership and financial need. Connor said when his dad told him that he had received the scholarship, the news made him so happy that it "almost made me cry." "This scholarship means everything to me," Connor said. "It was just like God opened the door. I've been praying that he would give me a way to pay for college and show me the pathway to choose. It means so much that not only my family and friends have faith in me accomplishing my goals, but Alabama Power is supporting me and saying, 'We've got faith in you, too.'" During high school, Connor kept a fast pace, serving as a leader at school and in the community. His extracurricular activities included Student Government Association, senior class treasurer, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, O Club, Spanish Club and Anchor Club. Connor's hard work led to many honors. In addition to graduating as class salutatorian, he was selected for the Walker County Youth Leadership and Junior Ambassador programs, received the Gold Principal Award, was chosen to participate in the Lions Club Leadership conference and consistently made the A honor roll, to name a few accolades. When he was not in class, Connor was on the field or in the gym. Throughout high school, he played varsity football, basketball and baseball, and ran cross- country during his freshman and sophomore years. Through his school and church activities, Connor got the chance to volunteer. One of those efforts gave him a glimpse into the medical world, Connor said. He joined other youths from his church in visiting residents at local nursing homes. "That really gave me an idea of what it will be like to care for patients," Connor said. With other students at his school, Connor has distributed clothing and food to people in need, helped clean up the field aer home football games, conducted school tours for new students as part of freshman orientation and answered phones for the Daily Mountain Eagle Christmas Shoe Fund. He has assisted with Special Olympics and volunteered at Relay for Life, where he and other teens played games with kids whose parents participated in the walk. Connor has combined his love of sports with his volunteer work. Doctor Dreams 2017 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR HOPES TO BE ANESTHESIOLOGIST Posey graduated from Oakman High School. The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded 20 $2,500 scholarships to top graduating seniors to attend college, trade or technical school. It's the 26th consecutive year for the scholarship program. The scholarships are awarded to children of active, retired and deceased employees and are renewable for up to three years. Winners are selected by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America, based on academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, leadership and financial need. Since 1991, the foundation has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships, helping about 1,200 students realize their dreams through higher education. The 2017 scholarship winners, the high school they attended and their Alabama Power parent or guardian are: • Blake Baker, Wetumpka High School, Christopher Johnston, Southern Division Office. • Reagan Boatwright, Hewitt-Trussville High School, Brice Boatwright, Trussville Crew Headquarters. • Madison Clayton, Dora High School, Danny Clayton, Miller Steam Plant. • Kelson Cole, Jemison High School, Daniel Ellison, Corporate Headquarters. • Lacy Downey, Southside High School, Darren Downey, Gadsden Steam Plant. • Kathleen Floyd, Woodstock High School, Gary Floyd, 700 North 18th Street. Foundation scholarships help

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