North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are awarding Bright Ideas Early Bird prizes to educators across the state. The winners were chosen at random from the over 300 teachers across North Carolina who submitted a Bright Ideas Education Grant application by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15.
The five winning educators for 2022 are:
- Mary Barbee, West Stanly Middle School, Union Power Cooperative
- Connie Ashley, Perquimans Central School, Albemarle EMC
- Melissa Parks, Silk Hope School, Central EMC
- Megan Houston, Sedge Garden Elementary, EnergyUnited
- Jackie Priestaf, North Elementary School, Piedmont EMC
Each of the Early Bird winners will receive a $100 gift card, presented by their local electric cooperative. Several additional teachers from across the state have also received early bird prizes after being selected in local drawings hosted by electric cooperatives.
“The Bright Ideas education grant program is an exceptional initiative that facilitates innovation and expands learning opportunities for students across our state,” said Chris Powell, coordinator of public relations at Albemarle EMC, who awarded an early bird prize to a local teacher last month. “The early bird drawing gives educators who go above and beyond for their students by applying for a grant a little extra recognition. Congratulations to this year’s winners!”
Since 1994, Bright Ideas grants have awarded more than $14 million to North Carolina teachers and funded over 13,000 projects. This shared initiative of electric cooperatives across North Carolina has expanded learning opportunities and benefited local students through innovative classroom projects, new technology and creative teaching methods. Bright Ideas grants are available to K-12 teachers across all disciplines throughout North Carolina’s 100 counties.
The 2022 grant winners will be announced in October and November. To find out more about the Bright Ideas education grant program and how North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are powering a Brighter Future, visit www.ncelectriccooperatives.com or contact your local electric co-op.