PALMETTO, GA, November 12, 2024 – Discovering the density of matter, creating drone videos, taking a virtual journey to the moon and creating hanging gardens are only a few of the projects funded by 2024 Bright Ideas Grants from Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (CFEMC) on behalf of Operation Round Up.
After receiving 55 applications, a panel of retired educators reviewed and awarded $30,320 in grants to 26 projects in Coweta County Schools, Fayette County Schools, Heard County Schools, and South Fulton County Schools.
CFEMC employees traveled to each winner’s classroom to present them with their award, check and appreciation for the hard work and dedication they provide for the future of our area students.
“Our teachers are a vital part of what makes our communities thrive,” said CFEMC President and CEO Chris Stephens. “We are proud to partner with them to fund these innovative projects that will impact today’s students for an even brighter tomorrow.”
Designed to assist teachers with innovative projects that may not be covered by traditional school funding, the grant program is open to Pre-K through 12th grade teachers in the CFEMC service area for all subject areas.
For the past 19 years, the Bright Ideas Grant program has awarded over $545,584 directly funded through the Operation Round Up Trust. The Trust administers the Operation Round-Up program in which the cooperative’s members volunteer to “round up” their power bills to the nearest whole dollar. The change goes directly to the Coweta-Fayette Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to making life better for our community.
Applications for the 2025 Bright Ideas Grants will be available in May 2025.
A list of this year’s winners:
Coweta County: Amber Adams, Newnan High School; Kathy Brown, Arnco-Sargent Elementary; Kara Bryant, Arbor Springs Elementary; Paula Corley, White Oak Elementary; Brandi Dabbs, East Coweta High School; Charles Davenport, Lee Middle School; Carrie Debilzan, Newnan High; Julimar DeLeon-Viera, Evans Middle School; Abbey Delfosse, Welch Elementary; Cristy Fogle, Arbor Springs Elementary; Symony Griffiths, Arbor Springs Elementary; Melissa King, Welch Elementary; Charlotte McDonald, Carolyn Barron Montessori; Jillian McDonell, Arnall Middle School; Allison Marie Morris, White Oak Elementary; Natalie Springfield, Northside Elementary; Amanda Stripling, Evans Middle School; Mary Thompson, Welch Elementary; LaWanda Watson, Evans Middle School; and Madison Williams, White Oak Elementary.
Fayette County: Ansleigh Baxter, Kedron Elementary; Sheila Chaves, Whitewater Middle School; Lynn Murphy, Liberty Tech Center; and Vanessa Van Den Heuvel, Kedron Elementary.
Heard County: Mallory Treadwell, Heard County Middle School.
Fulton County: Tunisia Frye, Landmark Christian School.