Alabama Power Foundation awards Power To Play grants
Thirty-two high schools will receive $2,500 for athletics

The Alabama Power Foundation’s Power To Play program will award 32 grants to high school athletic programs across the state. Each grant is for $2,500 and will help the schools increase participation.

Grant recipients were determined through an online voting process, which gave communities across the state the chance to show their support for the competing schools. To be eligible to receive a grant, schools needed to reach a minimum of 250 votes.

“Participation in high school sports fosters accountability, dedication and leadership skills and is correlated to higher academic achievement,” said John Hudson, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. “The foundation is proud to support student athletes across the state through Power To Play.”

The 2015 Power To Play grant winners are:

  • Alexandria High School
  • Alma Bryant High School – Irvington
  • Appalachian High School – Oneonta
  • Ashford High School
  • Ashville High School
  • Autaugaville High School
  • Billingsley High School
  • Carroll High School – Ozark
  • Central High School – Hayneville
  • Cordova High School
  • Dadeville High School
  • Dale County High School – Midland City
  • Demopolis High School
  • Dora High School
  • Eufaula High School
  • Florala High School
  • Fultondale High School
  • Gadsden City High School
  • Gaston High School – Gadsden
  • Greenville High School
  • Houston County High School – Columbia
  • J.F. Shields High School – Beatrice
  • Jemison High School
  • Monroe County High School – Monroeville
  • Montevallo High School
  • Oakman High School
  • Opelika High School
  • South Lamar High School – Millport
  • St. Clair County High School – Odenville
  • Sweet Water High School
  • Vigor High School – Prichard
  • Williamson High School – Mobile.

This is the second year for the Power To Play grant program, which focuses on the importance of keeping students active in sports. Research shows that students who participate in athletics get better grades and are more likely to graduate from high school, among other benefits.

Since the Alabama Power Foundation’s creation in 1989 with funds donated by shareholders, it has provided Alabama communities, educational institutions and nonprofits support with nonratepayer money through more than 20,000 grants and scholarships. To find out more about the Alabama Power Foundation and its charitable initiatives, please visit www.powerofgood.com.