Four elementary schools in the Gadsden and Etowah County school systems have received educational grants as part of the ongoing centennial celebration of Alabama Power’s Gadsden Steam Plant.

The grants, provided by the Alabama Power Foundation, were awarded as part of a history competition designed to raise student awareness about the role of the Gadsden area, the Coosa River and the steam plant in the development of an interconnected electric system throughout Alabama.

“Education is essential to the growth and prosperity of Alabama communities,” said Julia Segars, vice president of the company’s Eastern Division. “As a corporate citizen with historical ties to the Gadsden area, Alabama Power is excited to support educational opportunities in the community.”

The competition challenged fourth-graders to find creative ways to show the community’s connection to the development of electricity in the state. Students conducted research and did their own interviews, with the help of specially developed curriculum in the form of a newspaper, “The Gadsden Centennial,” authored by well-known Alabama historian Leah Rawls Atkins and Danny Crownover, executive director of the Etowah Historical Society. The newspaper describes the history of power generation in the Gadsden area.  

Entries were submitted in the form of a video, essay, storyboard or PowerPoint presentation.  

In the Gadsden schools, students in Casey Baker’s and Shekelia Marshall’s classes at Adams Elementary School won first place. Second place went to Vicki Stewart’s and Rosemary Nolen’s classes at Walnut Park Elementary School. 

In the Etowah County schools, Donna Holderfield’s class at John Jones Elementary School won first place. Second place went to Debbie Simmons’ class at Carlisle Elementary School. 

First-place classes were awarded a pizza party and a $1,500 grant. Second-place winners received a pizza party and a $1,000 grant. The money is to be used to enhance the classroom experience. 

Gadsden Steam Plant launched its centennial celebration in 2013. In honor of the anniversary, the Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust, local Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers and the Energizers, made up of local Alabama Power retirees, partnered with the city of Gadsden to provide $100,000 in community enhancements. 

Other student projects supported through the initiative included the Gadsden State Community College Career Coaches program, technical career skills support for area high schoolers, the iCan Girls in Engineering program, and BEST Robotics mentoring and sponsorships. Community projects included planting 100 trees, cleaning the city’s amphitheater and supporting downtown Gadsden’s First Friday events. 

The Messenger and Channel 24TV also partnered on centennial activities and educational projects.

The Alabama Power Foundation awards more than 1,000 grants annually with non-ratepayer money. Since its inception, the foundation has given more than $135 million through more than 20,000 grants and scholarships. To learn more about the foundation and Alabama Power’s education, volunteer and community initiatives, please visit www.powerofgood.com.