Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative (RECC) awarded grants to South Fork Elementary and Franklin East Grade School. Nicole Perkins of South Fork was awarded 2018’s first $2,500 grant. The 2nd grade teacher submitted a compelling application explaining her schools’ financial situation and the need for modern technology. The grant money will enable most of her students to acquire Chromebook computers. Delivering the winning grant was rewarding for RECC staff as well. The children’s painting project was interrupted as they were surprised by the winning announcement.
The other $2,500 grant was awarded to Danielle Evans, 2nd grade teacher at Franklin. Their school has been reorganizing; closing and opening buildings. This has resulted in materials being split and used by multiple classes in various locations. Their grant will be used to purchase guided reading books. Now, K- 2nd grade will have access to the entire set of new material. Franklin’s check presentation was made while students and faculty were attending their morning meeting. They were surprised and appreciative of the cooperative’s gift.
Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thanks to all who submitted grant applications. We encourage all teachers to reapply for Co-op Community Grants in 2019. During the presentation of both awards, the teachers emphasized to their students that they were able to get the grants because they found the time and made the effort to apply. They did the work, filled out the forms, and took the initiative. In other words, one must participate to win; a lasting message for all students.
RECC’s $2,500 Co-op Community Grants were the largest ever offered to our schools. In 2017, Waverly Elementary and Ball Chatham were each awarded a $2,000 grant. Previous $500 winners include: Morrisonville Elementary, Raymond Grade School, and Glenwood Intermediate School.
The Co-op Community Grants are made possible by RECC’s donation, along with matching funds provided by CoBank’s Sharing Success program. CoBank matching grants allow RECC to support the causes we care about most. Our shared goal is to serve the people of rural America. RECC & CoBank have been great partners and the two organizations have contributed $10,000 to our community in 2018.