The Power To Play grant program focuses on the importance of keeping students active in sports and will award $2,500 to each of 36 schools throughout the state to support their athletic programs. The program aims to help high school athletic programs break down barriers to student participation.

Research shows students who participate in athletics get better grades and are more likely to graduate from high school, among other benefits.

Finalists for the grants were announced Monday and are now competing in an online ballot process, during which members of the community can vote to support their school. Winners will be announced Dec. 3.

Local high schools selected as finalists are Haleyville, Phillips, Meek, Brilliant, Marion County, Hackleburg, and Phil Campbell. You can vote for one school in each classification per day. [CLICK HERE] to cast your vote!