In October, York Electric Cooperative awarded Bright Ideas grants to local teachers in the co-op’s service territory. The Bright Ideas grant program was created to provide funding for innovative classroom-based educational projects. The grants awarded are intended to fund the projects outside of normal public school funding parameters and can be made available to all disciplines in grades K-12.
YEC is proud to recognize these outstanding teachers. Learn what inspires them!
Clover School District
Winner
Dr. Kelly Clark at Clover High School with her project Spread the Word!
“My students inspire me to teach. There is no other place you can work where you can get such insight into and hope for our future. It is amazing to be able to learn from them on a daily basis.”
Runners Up
Linda Nisbett at Kinard Elementary School with her project Innovative Instruction with Apple Pens
“I am inspired to work in education by the thrill and excitement that we as educators see when students learn a new concept and make connections to their own life.”
Sherer Hopkins at Clover High-Ninth Grade Campus and her teammates Atavious Johnson and Jill Sifford, with their Mindfulness Room project
“We are continuously inspired by the resilience of our students. We take pride in the fact that we are able to help them through this often turbulent, transitional year made even more stressful lately by COVID-19 worries and restrictions.”
York School District
Winner
Dr. Anne R. Witte at York Middle with her project Lego Masters: Lunch Edition
“I read a quote by Johnathan Kozol that said when teaching is done right it is part ministry and part poetry. To me that succinctly describes the beauty of education; it is, at its core, inspiration. Being able to be part of a child’s learning journey is like watching the best parts of life unfold in front of your eyes.”
Runners Up
Britni Stevenson at Harold C. Johnson Elementary with her project News Crew Equipment
“I’m inspired to teach by being a constant positive and safe adult in my students’ lives.”
Ashleigh Erb at York Intermediate School with her project Locked on Learning
“My why is simple… if not me then who? My students’ needs can be complex and to many may seem daunting, but those AHA moments when they ‘get it’ for the first time make it all worthwhile.”
Rock Hill School District
Winner
Stacey Walden at Ebinport Elementary School with her project Legos for Artistic Processes
“I am inspired by the connections, development, and expression of my student artists every day. Seeing them relate to artists, grow in their technique and abilities, and find ways to share their feelings or ideas through our projects fills me with joy.”
Runners Up
Jennifer Bush at Rawlinson Road Middle School with her project Integrating the Arts in ELA
“Sharing my passion for teaching and love for learning is what inspires me to teach.”
Stephanie Peavy at Sullivan Middle School and her teammates, Ceci Fieldstone and Monica Jones, with their project Promoting Positive Behavior and Literacy with Inclusive Books
“Since I was a young girl, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. It brings me so much joy to build relationships with my students and guide them to find their passion.”
Lynn Johnson at Sunset Park Elementary School and her teammates, Misty Lindgren, Elora Lissandrello, Jamia Gadsden and Tilanesha Manderville, with their project, Escape the Classroom with Breakout Thinking
“I must say that it is my love for children that drives my efforts to build relationships and help students grow in areas of academics and social-emotional learning.”
Lancaster School District
Winner
Patricia McFadden at Erwin Elementary with her project Puppeteers Promoting Literacy and Character
“The children themselves inspire me to teach. I love being around them and seeing their faces light up when they learn something new or when they can relate to what we discuss in class.”
Runner Up
Helen Prince at Indian Land High School and her teammates, Rebecca Brunson, Michael LeRoy and Cathy Chapman, with their project Some ‘Button’ to Watch Over Me
“Being in the library offers me a chance to work with every subject, grade, and student. Helping students find information about their passion and setting up an environment that students feel safe to be themselves in inspires me to teach.”
Fort Mill School District
Winner
Giovanna Piazza at Riverview Elementary with her project Leveling the Playing Field
“I am reminded daily that although I am officially the teacher in the classroom, often enough it is my students who are the experts, and we are constantly learning from each other. It is these conversations and exchange of ideas with my students that inspire me to teach.”
Runner Up
Elizabeth Parra at Catawba Ridge High School with her project Cooking in College 101
“Watching my students light up when their recipe comes to life in our kitchens inspires me to teach. They have such a sense of pride about each of their creations and it brings joy to my heart knowing that they have a space to work and have fun.”
Photos by Erin Powell