BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - March 4, 2008 - The Alabama Power Service Organization has awarded grants to 16 new public school teachers, extending a tradition that began 13 years ago.
All winners graduated from state-approved teacher programs at Alabama's public four-year colleges and universities. They each receive a $1,000 grant to buy classroom materials and supplies.
“The Alabama Power Service Organization prides itself in helping to make our state better,” said Carla Roberson, manager of Education and Volunteer Services for Alabama Power. “One of the best things we can do is encourage educators, especially those who have shown promise and potential during their first year.”
The Alabama Power Service Organization has awarded grants to new teachers since 1995. Candidates are submitted by the state’s public teacher colleges. Winners are selected by a committee that includes education school deans.
The Alabama Power Service Organization includes more than 4,000 Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear and Southern Company employees and their families who give their time to help improve communities.
Supporting education is one of the priorities of the Alabama Power Service Organization, working closely with educators to help children and teachers in the classroom through a variety of initiatives and programs.
Below is the list of winners of 2007-2008 New Teacher Grants, the schools where they teach, and the colleges where they earned their education degrees:
- Kenneth R. Barnes; Phenix City Intermediate; Troy University-Phenix City
- Michael J. Brown; Homewood High; Alabama A&M University
- Catherine Sheridan Culleton; Southside Middle (Tallassee); Auburn University
- Marquita Diane Washington; George P. Austin Jr. High (Linden); University of West Alabama
- Jennifer Edwards; Pinedale Elementary (Enterprise); Troy University
- Brittany Lofton Mattox; Catoma Elementary (Montgomery); Auburn University-Montgomery
- Katrina Lynn McGuire; Mountain Brook High; University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Greg Pernell; Houston Hill Jr. High (Montgomery); Alabama State University
- Angelia Richard, Geneva City Elementary; Troy University-Dothan
- L. Brad Robertson; Gardendale High; University of Montevallo
- Marc S. Sosnowchik; Pizitz Middle (Vestavia Hills); University of Alabama
- Shelly Anna Turis; Chapman Elementary (Huntsville); Athens State University
- Teri Leigham Wakefield; East Lawrence High (Trinity); University of North Alabama
- Laura Swinea-White; Buckhorn High (New Market); University of Alabama at Huntsville
- Sharon E. White; Ashville Elementary; Jacksonville State University
- Apryle Nicole Williams; John Will Elementary (Mobile); University of South Alabama.
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO),
provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more about the Alabama Power Service Organization at www.alabamapower.com/community/volunteer.asp.
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Media Contact: Michael Sznajderman, (205) 257-4155, msznajde@southernco.com