Booth Middle School Teacher Wins IMPACT Grant

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The Cherokee County Educational Foundation has awarded its ninth IMPACT Grant as part of the second annual round of competitive awards for Cherokee County School District teachers and students with innovative ideas.

The grant, which was presented to E.T. Booth Middle School teacher Daniele Deneka, brings the total amount awarded in the past month to $15,000, the school district said on Wednesday.

Her application requested a grant of $2,082.10 for a project called Mighty Motorized Mechanisms, which will provide her sixth-grade Exploring Engineering and Technology classes with reusable, hands-on kits to better their understanding of mechanics and other concepts.

Cherokee County Educational Foundation Board Secretary Amanda Arnold and Board Member Debbie Rabjohn surprised Deneka with an oversized check, balloons, flowers and the grant in front of a classroom filled with her excited students.

The annual grant application process is open to individual teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; teams of teachers, paraprofessionals and school staff; district administrators; or department heads.

Through public support, the Foundation offers IMPACT Grants of as much as $2,500 per winning proposal. A committee made up of Foundation board members reviewed the applications and selected proposals they determined would best strengthen academics; demonstrate a creative and innovative approach to education; provide meaningful and engaging instruction for students; and have a long-term benefit.

Copies of the winning grant proposals are available electronically from CCEF for anyone who wants to learn more about them. As part of the process, winners will be required to submit a report sharing details about the success of their project funded by the grant.

Since 2013, the Foundation has awarded more than $45,000 in grants to district schools, teachers and students. The Foundation raises funds for these initiatives through sources including its annual “For the Love of Education” T-shirt sale, CCEF Golf Classic Tournament and the inaugural “Celebration of Education” Gala, which will be held on March 14.

Donations to CCEF may be made by mail to P.O. Box 4754, Canton, GA 30114.

For more information about the Foundation, visit the website at www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org, email cceducationalfoundation@gmail.com or call (770) 704-4213.

Photo 1: Celebrating the CCEF IMPACT Grant presentation are, from left to right, Booth Assistant Principal Craig McKinney, CCEF Board Member Debbie Rabjohn, grant winner teacher Daniele Deneka, CCEF Board Secretary Amanda Arnold and Principal Dawn Weinbaum.

Photo 2: Cherokee County Educational Foundation Board Secretary Amanda Arnold, left, presents E.T. Booth Middle School teacher Daniele Deneka with an IMPACT Grant from the Foundation.