Twenty-three local teachers and school faculty members will be introducing innovative projects in their classrooms thanks to a little help from Operation Round Up. These individuals were recently named the recipients of the Star Light Awards for 2014.
The Star Light Award is a grant program that provides support to local teachers for the purpose of bringing innovative programs and projects to classrooms. It was created in 2011 by the Baldwin County Electric Membership Charitable Foundation Board, which oversees Operation Round Up grant distributions. Each teacher or faculty member submitted an application describing his or her project for review by board members before being named a winner.
The 2014 Star Light Award recipients are:
- Jennifer Rachel from Elberta Elementary School – $993.76
- Elizabeth Orfanello from Elberta Elementary School – $992.56
- Kimberly Hollis from Orange Beach Elementary School – $550
- Tim Brannan from Summerdale School – $1,000
- JoAnn Beuthe and Stacey Martin from Foley Middle School – $691
- Harold Richardson from Magnolia School – $795
- Cody Coleman from Fairhope High School – $920
- Dianne Bernasconi from Fairhope High School – $1,000
- Rose Mary Mitchell from Christ the King Catholic School – $842.68
- Theresa Hunter from Robertsdale Elementary School – $698
- Renee Sypert from Robertsdale Elementary School – $870.59
- Bonnie McKenzie from Robertsdale Elementary School – $947.76
- Samantha Leffard from Robertsdale Elementary School – $957
- Jacquelyn Wilson from Robertsdale Elementary School – $629.36
- Keith Kinder from Loxley Elementary School – $722.92
- Scott Larson from the North Baldwin Center for Technology – $1,000
- Laurie Mashburn from Bay Minette Elementary School – $1,000
- Kathryn Hood from Bay Minette Middle School – $971.11
- William Jones from Baldwin County High School – $982.22
- Dawn Hopper from Spanish Fort High School – $560.74
- Brett Davis from Spanish Fort High School – $919.96
- Kris Pierce from St. Patrick Catholic School – $957.52
According to Operation Round Up Chairman Caren Davis, giving grants to these teachers is a direct benefit to local students, and therefore a direct benefit to the community. “That’s what Operation Round Up is all about.” Davis says, “We make a difference in the community by helping these teachers provide exciting and educational activities for the children.”
Anyone who would like to learn more about the Star Light Award program or Operation Round Up can visit www.baldwinemc.com for information.