Cherokee County Educational Foundation Awards $50K In Grants

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The Cherokee County Educational Foundation helped celebrate the end of the school year by presenting Cherokee County School District teachers and support staff with $50,000 in grants.

The nonprofit organization, since its 2012 formation to raise funds for Cherokee Schools teachers, programs and schools, has awarded more than $1 million in grants to support teaching and learning.

The foundation’s classroom impact grants program offer competitive grants for projects costing up to $2,500, with a focus on new ideas for instruction that could be replicated throughout Cherokee Schools classrooms, media centers and schools. The rapid grants program awards $500 grants to teachers and support staff for smaller projects and funds district wide initiatives. The presentations this week included $40,000 in impact grants to 21 teachers and $10,000 in rapid grants.

A foundation committee of at least five judges grades applications individually, and the scores are compiled and ranked to determine grant winners. The number of grants awarded each year depends on fundraising efforts. Funds are raised through foundation events such as the annual Golf Classic and Celebration of Education Gala, as well as through direct donations.

“We’re so fortunate to see teachers’ dream projects become reality thanks to the support of our community through donations to the foundation,” Superintendent Brian Hightower said. “Many of these projects pilot innovative ideas that then take flight in other classrooms and schools. It’s an incredibly valuable investment in our teachers and our students, and we greatly appreciate the support.”

Lisa Marie Haygood serves as executive director for the nonprofit organization, which is governed by a community board of directors.

“This organization of community volunteers each year diligently leads the effort to make sure our teachers get those additional resources they need to help our students do their best,” she said. “We continue to celebrate the innovation we see in our teachers, students, and community. Without the outpouring of support, we would not be able to fulfill our mission. This year was a tremendous success.”

The 2022 Classroom Impact Grants Winners include:

• Virginia “Ginny” Baldwin, R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy
• Jennifer Campbell, Dean Rusk Middle School
• Ty Casteel, Etowah High School
• Jill Cole, Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy
• Brooke Dillon, Mill Creek Middle School
• Nina Eidson, Knox Elementary School STEM Academy
• Jim Elder, Mill Creek Middle School
• Adrianne Fagan, Woodstock High School
• Jennifer Falco, E.T. Booth Middle School
• Cathy Fernandez, E.T. Booth Middle School
• Amanda Graves, E.T. Booth Middle School
• Chelsea Leming, Indian Knoll Elementary School
• Denise Lewis, Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy
• Sandy McPherson, Clayton Elementary School
• Sarah Munroe, Macedonia Elementary School
• Hillary Nichols, ACTIVE Academies – i-Grad Virtual Academy
• Tina Plousis, Hickory Flat Elementary School
• Angela Topper, Oak Grove Elementary School STEAM Academy
• Keara Rubin, River Ridge High School
• Lisa Spence, Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy
• Amy Walker, Johnston Elementary School

For more information, including how to make a donation, visit online.