Congratulations, teachers!

YEC awards Bright Ideas grants, fulfills classroom wish lists

Your cooperative is committed to supporting quality education within our community. Our children are our future, and we believe that empowering and inspiring educators is one way we can help ensure success for all.

This year, York Electric was able to award 11 grants out of 31 applications, and 35 $300 Amazon gift cards to help fulfill classroom wish lists, totaling $20,000 to local teachers.

Our Bright Ideas Grant program is made possible through the Operation Round Up Trust, which is funded by the generosity of our members. These classroom grants help educators bring their innovative ideas to life, providing students with unique, fun and memorable learning experiences.

Additionally, as part of the grant program, community members were encouraged to nominate teachers for their outstanding work in the classroom. These teachers received a $300 Amazon gift card to go towards purchases of classroom necessities.

If you are interested in applying for the 2025 Bright Ideas Grant program or would like to nominate a teacher who
has positively impacted you or your child, applications will be
open online beginning in June.

Amazon Wishlist Fulfillment Recipients

Fort Mill School District

Dana Reese, 1st grade, all subjects
Patrick Butler, 9th–12th grade, music
Beth Pulliam, Pre-K, all subjects
Katherine Hinton, Kindergarten, all subjects
Christie Reynolds, 9th–12th grade, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2

Clover School District

April Clinton, 2nd grade, all subjects
Elishia Bazzano, 1st grade, all subjects
Jessica Quinn, Pre-K special education
Jill Christenberry, Kindergarten, all subjects
Kelly Nellums, 4th and 6th grades, math and science
Lisa Jackson, 10th–12th grade, Occupational Credential Employability courses
Ta’China Williams, 8th grade, science

York School District

Aubrey Watson, 3rd grade, all subjects
Kayla Blackwell, 5th grade, math
Kimberly Taylor, 2nd grade, all
Mary Gilfillan, 4K
Solomon Eagles, 2nd grade teacher, all subjects
Ashley Cherry, K–5th grade, Applied Business Technology
Deanna Farrie, 3rd grade, all subjects
Erica Johnson, 1st grade, all subjects
Kayla Ledford, 5K, all subjects
Melina Burkell, 9th– 12th grade, science and biology
Mikayla Barnhart, 2nd grade, all subjects
Beth Bridges, 5th and 6th grades, Special Education ELA and social studies
Charity Meadows, 3rd– 6th, all subjects
Madelyn Jackson, Kindergarten, all subjects
Sherri Comer, K–5th, Media Center
Natalie Ashe, 5th grade, English
Brianna Inman, 2nd grade, all subjects
Colleen Cottom, 5th–8th grade, English
Emma Townsend, 9th–12 grade, theatre
Noell Ogden, 3rd grade, all subjects
Scottee Horne, 3K–8th, special education
Taylor McSwain, 7th and 8th grades, PE

2024 Bright Ideas Grant Recipients - Photos by Erin Powell

Valeria Vanstrien, 6th–8th grade teacher at Dutchman Creek Middle School, was awarded $1,000 for her project, “Appropriate and Tailored Writing Material for Multilingual Students.” Rock Hill School District

Mary Williams, 6th grade teacher at Castle Heights Middle School, was awarded $700 for her project, “Math Mania: Engaging Math Gaming.” Rock Hill School District

Krysti Blocker, 6th grade teacher at Banks Trail Middle School, was awarded $300 for her project, “Real World Math and Literacy with Hydroponic Garden.” Fort Mill School District

Erin Owens, Pre-K teacher at Riverview Elementary School, was awarded $1,000 for her project, “Outdoor Play Hooray!” Fort Mill School District

Anna Earles, 9th–12th grade teacher at Fort Mill High School, was awarded $1,000 for her project, “Illuminated Visions: Stained Glass Sculpture in Light and Color.” Fort Mill School District

Sam Harper, Physical Education teacher at Bethany Elementary School, was awarded a $500 grant for his project, “Iron Sharpens Iron.” Clover School District

Laura Falls, 3rd–5th grade teacher at Bethany Elementary School, was awarded $1,000 for her project, “Empowering Students with 3D Printing: Fostering Critical thinking and Problem-Solving.” Clover School District

Alexa Dollard, Pre-Kindergarten–5th grade teacher at Griggs Road Elementary School, was awarded $1,000 for her project, “Buzzing through Books: One Page at a Time.” Clover School District

James Mayer, 9th–12th grade teacher at York Comprehensive High School, was awarded $1,000 for his project, “Physics-Optics Labs.” York School District

Rebecca Martin-Berry, 6th grade teacher at York Intermediate School, was awarded a $200 grant for her project, “A Night Divided.” York School District

Lesley Reel, 9th–12th grade teacher at York Comprehensive High School, was awarded a $1,000 grant for her project, “Math Festivals.” York School District