McCluer Teacher Receives $2,500 Emerson Grant

Last year’s

special education teacher Ken Holzapfel received a $2,500 grant to help fund the “McCluer Work Experience Entrepreneurship.” At McCluer, Holzapfel has worked with students to prepare them for entering the work force after high school. On a regular basis, students learn about working environments and work ethics for real-world situations.

Holzapfel was one of eight teachers awarded a piece of $50,000 in 2012 Gold Star grants. Holzapfel said in a press release that he plans to use the grant to buy a commercial refrigerator, barbecue pit and other educational tools to help with instructing students in a real life food-service business.

In speaking to Holzapfel last year, he spoke of the students barbecue business that has helped in raising funds to go to Six Flags and donate to Project Graduation.

The purpose of the grants is to help with educational initiatives and improve students’ learning environment. Each year, the grants are given to worthy recipients following a competitive application process. It’s also open to past recipients of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching awards.

“Emerson is proud to award Gold Star Grants to help these dedicated teachers develop initiatives that will enhance the learning experiences for their students and schools,” said Patrick J. Sly, executive vice president for Emerson. “This year’s recipients all demonstrated how their projects in the classroom will reflect the pillars of the Emerson brand – technology, innovation and leadership. We are proud to support their endeavors and wish them the best of luck with their projects.”