Alabama Students Honor Power Linemen as Community Heroes

Fifth graders in Eufaula, Alabama, just taught their whole community an important lesson about everyday heroism.

After spending 10 weeks studying what makes someone a hero through the Liberty Learning Foundation's Super Citizens Program, nearly 150 students at Eufaula Elementary School made their choice clear. They selected Alabama Power linemen as their Super Citizen Heroes and invited them to a special celebration at the Eufaula Recreation Center Gymnasium.

The students' reasoning showed wisdom beyond their years. They recognized linemen as essential first responders who work in dangerous weather conditions when most people stay safely indoors. They noted the workers' dedication to restoring power to every customer, no matter how long it takes or how challenging the conditions.

Auston Welsh, an apprentice lineman, represented his crew at the celebration. "I started dreaming of being a lineman while I was in high school," Welsh said. "What I love so much about being a lineman is that at the end of the day, I can look back at what I have accomplished and realize I was a part of that."

The Liberty Learning program brought together students from multiple schools, including second, third, and fifth graders. The 10-week curriculum covered career readiness, civics, character development, and financial literacy, but the hero project made the biggest impact.

Lakeisha Russaw, a community relations specialist at Alabama Power who helped organize the event, has worked with Liberty Learning for over a decade. "The students are already transforming our community by acting on the lessons they learned," she said.

The Ripple Effect

Tony Jones, the crew foreman in Eufaula, called his team "extremely hard workers" who genuinely care about their community. The recognition means something special because it came from kids who took the time to really understand what linemen do every day.

The students didn't just pick people they saw on TV or read about in books. They looked at their own neighbors and recognized the quiet heroism happening right outside their windows. When storms hit and power goes out, these linemen are the ones climbing poles in dangerous conditions so families can turn their lights back on.

This kind of lesson sticks with kids far longer than any textbook chapter ever could.