The last few years have shown us exactly how much we should appreciate those who dedicate themselves to teaching our children. Union Power Cooperative is honoring teachers and celebrating innovation in education this month by awarding Bright Ideas grants to educators in the following counties, Union, Stanly, Mecklenburg, and Cabarrus counties. The education grants will fund innovative classroom learning projects that will benefit more than 5,062 students who will participate in the Bright Ideas projects funded by Union Power.
Typically, these grants bring creative projects to life inside classrooms. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Power has been flexible with the types of projects awarded to ensure that all students can benefit, whether in the classroom or a remote learning environment. Grants are awarded for projects in all subject areas, such as music, art, history, reading, science, math, and more.
“Grant applications have been filled with unique ideas geared toward helping students learn both in the classroom and virtually,” said Carrie Stroud, vice president of communications and marketing at Union Power Cooperative. “The innovative and creative learning initiatives developed by our area’s teachers are impressive, and we are proud to help them facilitate these projects.”
The winning teachers are listed by respective county, along with the amount of funds they received (listed in order of teacher who submitted grant, school, project name, and the amount awarded):
2021–2022 Bright Ideas Winners
| Teacher Name | School | Grant Name | Amount Awarded |
| Joanne Bernard | J. N. Fries Middle | Bringing Computer Science to Students with Disabilities | $1,788 |
| Megan Charlton | Beverly Hills STEM Elementary | Making the Makerspace | $1,962 |
| Deidre Mallow | Independence High | Culinary Craving Greenhouse | $1,970 |
| Danielle Lefebvre | Jay M. Robinson Middle | Inclusive Garden: Helping Young Minds Grow | $1,994 |
| Andrea Wisniewski | Sandy Ridge Elementary | Math/Science Project-Based Learning | $1,528 |
| Abbie Hess | Independence High | Sustainable Apothecary Art Supply Garden | $2,000 |
| Adam Haas | Rocky River Elementary | Engineering Critical Thinking Skills | $2,000 |
| Brittani Waldrip | Central Elementary | A Little Spot of Counseling at Central Elementary | $247 |
| Drew Laucher | Richfield Elementary | Outdoor Science Classroom for K-5 | $1,921 |
| Jennifer Crawford | Oakboro Choice STEM School | OCSS Agriculture Center | $1,947 |
| Stacey Larson | New Salem Elementary | Catching Curiosity STEM Binx | $1,659 |
| Chris Roncone | Union County Early College | Cyclone Shelter | $2,000 |
More about Bright Ideas
Educators with creative ideas for hands-on classroom projects are encouraged to apply for a grant starting on April 1, each year. The deadline to submit an application is in mid-September. Educators may submit multiple grants during one given year. Grants are awarded each year in November for projects in all grade levels and for disciplines, including math, science, language, art, English, and history.
