BEDFORD – The Lawrence County Community Foundation (LCCF) Board of Directors has announced the recipients of its 2025 Classroom Grant Cycle, awarding over $9,900 to thirty-four teachers across Lawrence County.
The Classroom Grant program is specifically designed to fund small, in-class projects that may lack a typical funding source. The overarching goal is to help teachers develop creative, innovative educational projects that reinforce the curriculum and stimulate student learning.
Jennifer Pace, CFP Grants Manager, shared her enthusiasm for the program: “This year’s Classroom Grant Program saw a host of different projects that teachers designed to emphasize what they are teaching and engage their students”. She added that it is rewarding to “share in the teachers’ excitement for their projects and their appreciation for the classroom grant that enabled them to bring their projects to fruition”.
The foundation hopes these funded activities will inspire students to go home and say, “Today in school we . . .” enhancing educational opportunities is a key goal for the LCCF as it works to improve the quality of life for current and future generations in Lawrence County.
The funding is supported by permanent endowments, including the Great Grants Fund for K-12 education grants, the LCCF Education Fund, and the Paris P. and Lottie (Collins) Porter Education Fund.
Grants were awarded to teachers from public and independent schools across the county for diverse projects, including:
North Lawrence Community Schools
- Armpit Fudge – Elizabeth Butterfield
- STEAM-a-Palooza – Michelle Chastain
- Third Grade Glow Day – Jamie Hooten
- Analyzing DNA – Nick Laydon
- Calming Sensory Spaces – Helena Muehlbauer
- STEM Center – Alicia Smith
- Game On: Coding Fun – Jamie Willis
Mitchell Community Schools
- Glow in the Dark Art Show – Chey-Ann Clouse
- Storybook STEAM – Maggie Hamilton
- Cooking for Independence – Kirsten Martin
- Reading Rockstars! – Amanda Ochs
- Every Word Heard! – Melissa Whaley
Independent Schools
- Please Don’t “Shelve this Project” – Gregory Baugh (Lawrence County Independent Schools)
- STEAM Expansion – Emily Brunk (Springville Community Academy)
- The Psychology of Color – Melissa Banks (Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic School)
Individuals and businesses interested in contributing to the Classroom Grant endowment to help support local teachers can contact Hope Flores at 812-279-2215 or hope@cfpartner.org.
