Lenoir County Education Foundation gives record amount of grants
Front row, from left, a quartet of first-grade teachers at Contentnea-Savannah K-8 School, Becky Smith, Meredith Criswell, Sara Pennington and Emily Burkett, received grants from the Lenoir County Education Foundation Friday to assist students. Standing behind the teachers are LCC liaison Calvin Sutton, State Farm Agent Judy Jones, Contentnea-Savannah Principal Rhonda Greene, Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Lee Sylvester and Lenoir County Public Schools superintendent Brent Williams. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
A lot of teachers received grant money in Lenoir County Friday.
The Lenoir County Education Foundation’s Prize Patrol went to 12 schools in the area to present 41 teachers with mini-grants for the classrooms. The Foundation handed out $17,745 to the instructors for items to enhance the learning experiences in elementary, middle or high school.
“It’s an annual event and there’s been a lot of school participation this year,” Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Lee Sylvester said. “The Lenoir County Education Foundation does a great job every year and there have been records across the board in participation, grants and the number of teachers.”
Among the teachers was Contentnea-Savannah K-8’s Sara Pennington, who said it was a pleasant surprise and will be beneficial to her first-grade class.
“We are excited to receive this grant and these resources will be great for our students,” Pennington said.
At Rochelle Middle School, Assistant Principal Shana Connor said she was proud for the school’s recipient, Hannah Jiminez.
“I feel it’s an honor for her to receive the award, especially with what she’s trying to build in the classroom,” Connor said. “She’s a hard worker and well-deserving.”
Lenoir County Public Schools Superintendent Brent Williams said the LCEF has done wonderful things for the teachers.
“We have a tremendous partnership with the foundation and their support helps these teachers in the classroom with great opportunities,” Williams said. “We appreciate their leadership and the grants they’ve given to our instructors.”
