Producing commercials, understanding the power of recycling, learning life-saving CPR and creating stop-motion animation are some of the projects area students will explore thanks to funding from the Bright Ideas Grant Program, sponsored by Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC).

Teachers, students and area schools throughout CAEC’s service territory were awarded $16,000 in grants to benefit more than 4,100 students in five counties as a part of CAEC’s educational grant program.

The Cooperative’s Board of Trustees presented 21 winning grants to area teachers during an evening ceremony and reception held on Jan. 17 at CAEC’s headquarters in Prattville. Grant proposals had been evaluated by a panel of judges from local community associations.

The Bright Ideas Grant Program was introduced by CAEC in 1998 with the goal of supporting innovative, interesting and effective initiatives that are not usually covered by traditional school funding. Grants are intended to help enhance teachers’ efforts, and are awarded to individuals or teams in public, private and home schools.

“Today’s educators face many challenges in the classroom, including the search for funds to reach their students by new and innovative means,” said CAEC President and CEO Tom Stackhouse. “We are honored to support these individuals in that quest by helping them to connect with their students through meaningful projects.”

To date, CAEC has awarded approximately $208,000 to local schools through the program. More than 83,400 students in all grade levels and subject areas have benefited from the Bright Ideas grants.

Autauga County teachers receiving 2012 grants are: Jan Bergdolt and LeBrian Stewart, Prattville High School; Ryan Golson, Autaugaville School; Katie Hallman, Prattville Primary School; Julia Mims, East Memorial Christian Academy; Tammy Tindol, Billingsley School; and Rebecca Wingo, Denise Syslo and Emily Mills, Prattville Primary School.

Chilton County teachers receiving 2012 grants are: Jennifer Blencowe, Heather Frederick, Pam Roy and Angela Wilson, Chilton County High School; and Jacqueline S. Sullivan, Maplesville High School.

Coosa County teachers receiving 2012 grants are: Joe N. Belyeu, Central Coosa High School; Whitney Bullard, Central Elementary School of Coosa County; and Doris J. Gamble of Central Coosa High School.

Dallas County teachers receiving 2012 grants are: Willie J. Rose, Cathy Cunningham, Shanita Tompkins, Jamie Watters and Mary Welch of Brantley Elementary School.

Elmore County teachers receiving 2011 grants are: Tonya Connor, Jennifer Davis, Jamie Fitts, Tina Hall, Anita McGowin, Jane Powell and Sheila Wright, Holtville Elementary; Vivian L. Crosby and Mary B. Gibbs, Millbrook Middle School; Deborah Hill, Cathy Payne and Sean Fischer, Edgewood Academy; Julie Morrison, Airport Road Intermediate; Lana Pratt, Holtville High School; Christine Rowe, Jerie Lewis and Renae Venable, Eclectic Middle School; Joshua M. Taylor, Wetumpka Middle School; Renae Venable, Tim Clanton, Dana Gunn and Juanita Lyles, Eclectic Middle School.

Click here to learn more about the Bright Ideas Grant program.