Catapulting into learning by building medieval weaponry, exploring space and reading and discussing high interest novels through reading groups and book clubs are just some of the projects students will explore thanks to funding from the Bright Ideas Grant Program, sponsored by Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC).
Teachers, students and area schools were awarded $16,000 in grants to benefit more than 3,700 students in three counties through CAEC’s educational grant program.
A reception honoring the 15 selected grant recipients was held during an evening ceremony held on Jan. 15 at the cooperative’s headquarters in Prattville, where CAEC’s Board of Trustees presented checks to the area teachers who were the authors of the grants. Grant proposals had been evaluated by a panel of judges from local community associations.
The Bright Ideas Grant Program was introduced by CAEC in 1998 with the goal of supporting innovative, interesting and effective initiatives that are not usually covered by school funding. Grants are intended to help enhance teachers’ efforts, and are awarded to individuals or teams in public, private and home schools within CAEC’s service area.
“Perhaps nothing has as much of an impact on our children than what they learn in the classroom,” said CAEC President and CEO Tom Stackhouse. “We are honored to be able to provide assistance to our educators who work tirelessly to impact our future leaders by giving them the tools they need to be successful.”
To date, CAEC has awarded approximately $256,000 to local schools through the program. More than 100,000 students in all grade levels and subject areas have benefited from the Bright Ideas grants.
Teachers and their teams receiving a 2015 grant are:
Autauga County grant recipients, Autauga County Superintendent Spence Agee and CAEC Board members at the reception honoring their winning grant proposals.
Autuaga County: Kimberly Kozak, Prattville Elementary School; Janie Mohajerin, Tony Camara, Kyle Sandlin, Kristle Lawrence, Corbin Stewart, Scarlet Rowe, Jessica Lucas, Kaitlyn Meisler and Melissa Strickland, Prattville Junior High School; Lisa Price and Andrea Hammack, East Memorial Christian Academy; and Rebecca Wingo, Emily Mills, Kristi Cook, April Brothers and Denise Syslo of Prattville Primary School.
Jacqueline Sullivan, Chilton County Superintendent Tommy Glasscock and CAEC Board Members.
Chilton County: Jacqueline S. Sullivan, Maplesville High School.
Elmore County grant recipients, Elmore County Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison and CAEC Board Members at the Bright Ideas Grant reception.
Elmore County: Joe Cramer, Juanita Lyles, Kimberly Moncrief, Walt Porter, LaKeisha Ray and Sherry Taylor, Eclectic Middle School; Nancy Dicks, Rachael Heartsill and Katie Furr, Prattville Christian Academy; Lori Howard Keel, Eclectic Middle School; Gaye Knight, Erika Shockley, Athina Ryals, Ann Garner, LaKeisha Ray, Jacquelyn Carter and Tina Clanton, Ecelctic Middle School; Carolee Lindsey, Holtville High School; Jessica Quinn and Kittie Roberts, Eclectic Elementary School; Christine Rowe and Sherry Taylor, Eclectic Middle School; Athina Ryals and Anna Garner, Eclectic Middle School; and Joanne Wells, Erika Shockley, Sherry Taylor, LaKeisha Ray and Dana Gunn, Eclectic Middle School.