For the past 25 years, Randolph EMC has partnered with local teachers by providing grants that fund the resources they need to customize hands-on learning projects and bring out the best in their students. We have had the great honor of working with outstanding local educators through the Bright Ideas Education Grant Program, an initiative shared and implemented by all 26 of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives.

As Randolph Electric celebrates the 25th anniversary of Bright Ideas grants in 2019, we recognize one local educator whose dedication and creativity exemplifies the impact of this program: Kathleen Gee, of Charles McCrary Elementary in Asheboro.

In the project Rainbow Ukulele, fifth grade students use a color-coded system of learning the history and parts of the ukulele, how to tune, use fingerstyle and play chords. In addition, they learn how to read music in different notations and learn over 50 folk songs. As the students reach certain goals they earn rubber bands and different color yarn to promote and reward growth. We applaud Ms. Gee on her creativity with this project to gain students’ interest in music.

Thank you to Ms. Gee and all of the exceptional educators who have partnered with REMC through the Bright Ideas grant program over the past 25 years. We commend your dedication, creativity and commitment to our students and communities!