Celebrating bright ideas

At Independence Elementary School in Rock Hill, members of the “Geek Squad” are learning proper digital citizenship on social media. The extracurricular technology club is the idea of teacher Robert Hamm. Hamm is one of 12 local teachers to receive a Bright Ideas grant from York Electric and its Operation Round Up trust. In October, a team of employees and Trust board members selected the 12 recipients. A total of $20,000 was given out to support Bright Ideas grants for up to $1,000, along with an additional 23 Amazon Wishlist fulfillment nominations for up to $500 for classroom supplies. Teachers were notified in November and December by in-person visits, calls and emails to recognize their achievements.

Bright Ideas grants were awarded to projects that will create a positive learning environment that is both fun and educational for students. Additionally, teachers were nominated by their peers and community members to receive Wishlist fulfillments.

By supporting innovation and creativity, YEC and the Operation Trust board help to make local teachers’ dreams a reality and learning more engaging for students.

Grants are available to all teachers within York Electric Cooperative’s service territory, kindergarten through 12th grade. If you are a local teacher interested in applying for the Bright Ideas Grant Program for the 2024/2025 school year, the online application will be open on June 28.

Amazon Wishlist Fulfillment Recipients

• Natalie Ashe, 5th Grade English and Social Studies
• Kayla Blackwell, 5th Grade Math and Science
• Beth Bridges, 5th and 6th Grade Special Education
• Madison Bryant, 7th and 8th Grade Special Education
• Melina Burkell, 8th–12th Biology, Anatomy and Physiology
• Kathryn Burt, 4th Grade Math and Science
• Stephanie Caston, Kindergarten
• Angela Covington, 9th–12th Grade Engineering Pathway
• Hayleigh Fulton, 2nd Grade
• MaryAshley Gilfillan, 4K
• Amanda Heckert, Kindergarten-3rd Grade
• Scottee Horne, Special Education Multi-Level III
• Kimberly Long, Kindergarten Special Settings
• Janet Maslankowski, Kindergarten–5th Grade Special Education
• Courtney Montgomery, 1st Grade Math, Reading, History and Science
• Sharon Morrison, 11th–12th Grade Calculus
• Tierney Norris, 5th Grade Math
• Dawn O’Donnell, 6th Grade Math
• Michelle Sanders, 2nd–6th Grade Special Education
• Kimberly Taylor, 2nd Grade
• Kaicee Thomasson, 9th–12th Grade Math
• Brandi Willis, 5th Grade Science and Social Studies
• Braelyn Young, 4th Grade

2023 Bright Ideas Grant Recipients
Photos by Erin Powell

Norma Jean Colyer, Hickory Grove-Sharon Elementary School, York

Project: “Handbell Choir”

“The Kristal Bell Method is an innovative technique that is useful for all students, including those in both gifted and talented and special education classes. This project will provide a unique opportunity for students to learn to play music and build a sense of pride from being part of a choir.”

Robert Hamm, Independence Elementary School, Rock Hill

Project: “Geek Squad”

“In an effort to maximize student technology skills and to educate them on proper digital citizenship when using social media, I am beginning an extracurricular technology club called 'Geek Squad.' This grant will allow us to purchase an LG Stand By Me to help provide students the tools to be successful and responsible on social media.”

Shannon Ledford, York Preparatory Academy, Charter School

Project: “The Foundation of Success”

“This project aims to enhance leadership skills, communication skills, and collaborative decision- making strategies in my 5th-grade students. The systematic approach of 'The Foundation of Success' encourages students to build strong relationships with their classmates while focusing on confidence, empathy and resilience.”

Christine Lehman, Forest Creek Middle School, Fort Mill

Project: “Whiteboards for Building Thinking Classrooms”

“Peter Liljedahl’s 'Building Thinking Classrooms' is an innovative approach to teaching math that gets students truly thinking. It includes the use of vertical, non-permanent surfaces where students work together in teams. This seemingly simple change radically transforms students from passive to active learners who find success in math.”

DeEtte Mann, York Intermediate School, York

Project: “Stimulating Students through an Immigration Simulation”

“Through this simulation, students will gain a deeper understanding of immigration in the early 1900s, including the hardships of travel, the difference between Angel and Ellis Islands, and how immigrants contributed to the American society and economy. With this grant, students will have a chance to participate in an important part of our history.”

Taylor McSwain, Hickory Grove-Sharon Elementary School, York

Project: “Fitness Club”

“Our Fitness Club works to create a healthier community by providing students the opportunity to engage in daily workout circuits before the school day begins. This project aims to create healthier 5th and 6th grade students, but more importantly, strives to create healthy habits that students can carry throughout their lives.”

Elizabeth Parra, Catawba Ridge High School, Fort Mill

Project: “Bakery Build Up”

“By creating and advertising their own bakeries, students will gain an understanding of a food industry business model and develop skills for marketing on social media. 'Bakery Build Up' embraces the unique, social-media-driven time in history students exist in and encourages students to use it as a tool for entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Lesley Reel, York Comprehensive High School, York

Project: “Mathematicians of the Future”

“For the past 25 years, our Mu Alpha Theta Chapter has hosted a Math Competition for our school district. Bringing 55 4th-grade students to our high school, this event exposes young mathematicians to competition and a fun way of looking at math. Our goal is to foster a love of learning and enable students to excel in STEM careers.”

Kelly Tiblier, York Comprehensive High School, York

Project: “Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers”

“For students who are reluctant readers, graphic novels are an approachable medium. Additionally, motivated readers also enjoy the visual and written characteristics of graphic novels. The availability of texts and dedicated independent reading time will allow all students to improve their literacy skills and support lifelong success.”

Abigail Traylor, Hickory Grove-Sharon Elementary School, York

Project: “Brass Instruments for Students”

“This funding will allow me to purchase pBuzz instruments, which are the brass equivalent of recorders, for my 5th grade music classes. With these instruments, students will explore the brass family, develop aural and fine motor skills, strengthen their understanding of music theory and make informed decisions in 6th grade Band."

Valeria Vanstrien, Dutchman Creek Middle School, Rock Hill

Project: “Cultural Books for Multilingual Students”

“As a multilingual educator, it is crucial to get various books and reading materials to create a sense of belonging in my classroom, develop cultural authenticity, recognize nuanced identity and support all students on the path to English proficiency. This funding will allow me to meet the unique needs of each of my students.”

Melanie Westmoreland, Hunter Street Elementary, York

Project: “Smart Carts”

“Smart Carts are portable makerspaces for students, where they can create, design, experiment, build- and invent things using a hands-on approach. By allowing students to participate in purposeful play in Art, STEM, Storytelling and more, they will gain a sense of curiosity, engage in critical thinking and improve their communication skills.”