Gaining a hands-on study of the systems of the human body,  engaging struggling readers and learning about the Holocaust by meeting a living survivor are just a few of the exceptional experiences area 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 3,400 students across multiple counties through CAEC’s educational grant program. Grant proposals  were submitted during the last quarter of 2017 and were evaluated by a panel of judges from local community associations.
The Bright Ideas Grant Program was introduced 20 years ago 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.

“There may be nothing more important than the education of our children, and inspiring them to take the knowledge they gain in the classroom into their communities and help make the world a better place,” says CAEC President and CEO Tom Stackhouse. “We are honored to provide assistance to our educators who work with students and impact them in positive ways.”

To date, CAEC has awarded approximately $304,000 to local schools through the program. More than 118,000 students in all grade levels and subject areas have benefited from the Bright Ideas grants. More information about the program can be found here.

Autauga County teachers and their teams receiving a 2018 grant are: Emily Gregory of Pine Level Elementary School; Kathy Horne of the Autauga County Second Chance Program; Tralise Howard of Billingsley School; and Ally Moscona, Cheryl Durbin, Marolyn Robbins and Gene Canavan of Autauga Academy.

Chilton County teachers and their teams receiving a 2018 grant are: Amy Ballew, Pam Jackson, Chrystie Mims and Tammy Pairrett of Isabella High School; Rachel Bromley of Clanton Intermediate School; Leslee Deavers and Samantha Robinson of Verbena High School; Rachel Hartsell and Joy Kelley of Thorsby High School; Jay LeCroy and Nelda LeCroy of Isabella High School; and Jill Moatts of Clanton Intermediate School.

Coosa County teachers and their teams receiving a 2018 grant are: Lisa Compher and Hannah Collins of Central Elementary School and Laura Beth Wooten and Shane Ray of Central High School.

Elmore County teachers and their teams receiving a 2018 grant are: Tonya Connor, Jennifer Davis, Brandy Ingram, Anita McGowin, Leslie Stephenson, Brenda Wiggins and Sheila Wright of Holtville Elementary School; Kimberly Deem of Wetumpka Elementary School; Amy Harrell of Eclectic Middle School; Lana Hebert of Eclectic Middle School; Kristina Mathews, Pamela Gamble and Elizabeth Gregorius of Millbrook Middle School; Angel Miller of Southside Middle School; Shay Nobles of Wetumpka Elementary School; Jesica Quinn and Kittie Roberts of Eclectic Elementary School; and Mary Westbrook of Stanhope Elmore High School.