Eight Birmingham-area students have been awarded scholarships from the Alabama Power Foundation.  They are Leah Belcher and Sean Jackson of Alabaster, Paige Cheney and Jonathan Weaver of Hoover, Bradley Holmes of Irondale and Devin Collar, Mark Fleming and Morgan Higdon of Birmingham.

Eligible students are dependent children of active, retired or deceased Alabama Power employees.  Winners are selected based on academic merit and other factors by an independent organization. The award is renewable for the number of years normally required to complete an undergraduate degree program, provided the honoree makes satisfactory academic progress.

“Even in these uncertain times, there is one investment that always pays dividends – education,” said Charles McCrary, Alabama Power president and CEO.  “Alabama Power is proud to invest in the future of these outstanding young people.”

Seven students received a $1,250 scholarship and one student received the Presidential Scholarship, equivalent to four years tuition. This special award is presented to a high school senior who exhibits the most impressive combination of academics, extra-curricular activities and community involvement.  

This year’s Presidential Scholarship winner is Morgan Higdon. She graduated from Oak Mountain High School and is the daughter of Carroll and Lisa Higdon.  Lisa is a records and information management specialist for Alabama Power.  Morgan was Valedictorian of her class and was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.  She was recently selected to a five-member team that represented Oak Mountain High School at the Alabama State Envirothon Tournament and placed first in the soils division.

Morgan served as co-captain of the 2007-2008 color guard and is a member of the Oak Mountain Gospel Choir, Drama Club, First Priority, Spanish Club, Youth Legislature, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was student director of the 2008-2009 Oak Mountain Chanter Show and Honor Choirs.  She finished first in the solo singing competition at the Capital City Classic in Montgomery.

Morgan is an active community volunteer and works with the Nazareth Program at Saint Aloysius Church, Relay for Life, Special Olympics and is a peer helper.  She will attend the University of Alabama in the fall and pursue a double major of Secondary Education and English.

Other $1,250 foundation scholarship winners are:

• Leah Belcher, who graduated from Thompson High School and is the daughter of Geoff and Mim Belcher. Geoff is an engineer at Alabama Power’s corporate headquarters.  Leah was valedictorian, a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, captain of the varsity women’s soccer team, Spanish Club and was named a Birmingham News Student Athlete of the Week.  She will attend Flagler University in the fall and pursue a degree in graphic design.
• Sean Jackson, who attends the University of Alabama and is the son of Bobby and Kathy Jackson.  Kathy is a staff accounting assistant at Alabama Power’s corporate headquarters.  Sean is a member of Phi Eta Sigma, the Million Dollar Band, Symphonic Band and the Collegiate Music Educators National Conference.  He is pursing a degree in music education.
• Paige Cheney, who graduated from Spain Park High School and is the daughter of Bob and Karen Cheney.  Bob is a senior Power Delivery engineer at Alabama Power’s corporate headquarters.  Paige was a member of the varsity volleyball team, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and was parliamentarian of the National Art Honor Society. She was selected as a Spain Park Ambassador, Hoover Belle City Hostess, 2007-2008 Outstanding AP History Student, 2005-2006 Outstanding Art Student and received the Summa Cum Laude Academic Medal. Paige will attend Covenant College in the fall and pursue a major in education with a missions minor.
• Jonathan Weaver, who graduated from Hoover High School and is the son of Ronnie and Edna Weaver.  Edna is a supervisor in Transmission at Alabama Power’s corporate headquarters.  While at Hoover, Jonathan was a running back on the football team and member of the Male Chorus.  Jonathan will pursue a recording arts and music business major at Full Sail University this fall.
• Bradley Holmes, who graduated from Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and is the son of Thomas and Leslie Holmes.  Thomas is a printing operator at Alabama Power’s Corporate Headquarters.  Bradley was a member of the Shades Valley baseball and basketball teams, Beta Club, French Club and the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Bradley will pursue a major of pre-law at the University of Alabama.
• Devin Collar, who graduated from Jefferson Christian Academy and is the daughter of Dennis Collar and Janine Turner.  Dennis is a cable splicer and Janine is a senior Customer Service representative. Devin was treasurer for Students Against Destructive Decisions, co-captain of junior varsity and captain of varsity cheerleaders, co-captain of the soccer team, a member of the color guard and National Honor Society. Devin will attend the University of Alabama in the fall and pursue a degree in business.
• Mark Fleming, who attends Auburn University and is the son of James and Denise Fleming.  James is a senior engineer for Alabama Power.  Mark is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu, Chi Alpha Sigma, SEC Academic Honor Roll, Top Tiger of the Auburn Athletic Department, cross country and track teams, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and on the Dean’s List.  Mark is pursing a degree in electrical and wireless engineering.

Winners are selected by International Scholarship and Tuition Services Inc. The scholarships may be used by full-time students at any accredited, nonprofit college or university, technical, vocational or trade school in the United States. 

Contact: Hallie Bradley 205-257-4155.