Three Birmingham-area high school students were the top scorers in the annual Youth Speech Contest, sponsored by the Birmingham Division chapter of Alabama Power's Leadership Development Association.

Seventeen area high school students competed in the speech contest, which took place Friday, Feb. 22, at Alabama Power's headquarters in Birmingham. Each competitor was required to deliver a brief speech on the topic, "What is Leadership?" An independent panel of three judges selected the winners based on the content of the speeches, the use of language and the quality of the delivery.

Amy Crumbly, a senior at Hewitt-Trussville High School, took first place in the contest. Adam Bridgeman, a junior at Hayden High School, took second place and Tadera White, a senior at Holy Family High School, took third place. Crumbly was awarded $1,000 for future education expenses. Bridgeman received $500 and White received $250.

Crumbly and Bridgeman now head to Montgomery to compete in the statewide LDA speech competition. The statewide contest, scheduled for March 9, pits 10 finalists from Alabama Power's five territorial divisions against each other. The first-place winner receives a $1,500 award for education expenses. The second-place winner takes home $500.

The Leadership Development Association is a membership organization comprised of Alabama Power and other Southern Company employees. LDA provides employees with leadership training and other opportunities for professional growth. LDA also works with area youth to promote the value of education and community involvement.

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SOURCE: Alabama Power Company