October 2024 — Piedmont Electric Cooperative proudly awarded $50,445 in Bright Ideas education grants to 33 exceptional local teachers, bringing new opportunities for creativity and learning to their classrooms! These grants will fuel the imaginations of over 7,600 students across Caswell, Durham, Orange, and Person counties, supporting hands-on projects in subjects ranging from STEM to history, reading, art and even gardening.
“We’re so thankful for our incredible educators who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their students,” said Jordan Overbee, Piedmont Electric’s president and general manager. “By funding these inspiring classroom projects, the Bright Ideas education grant program reflects our deep commitment to our community.”
This program is made possible through the generosity of our members, who support the Piedmont Electric Helping Hand Foundation by rounding up their electric bills each month. Since 1994, Piedmont Electric has proudly contributed over $750,000 to local teachers through the Bright Ideas grant program. Across the state, 26 electric cooperatives, including Piedmont Electric, have collectively awarded more than $15.8 million to fund nearly 14,700 innovative projects, benefiting more than 3.65 million students.
Applications for Bright Ideas grants are accepted each year from April through mid-September, and a panel of judges selects winning proposals through a competitive process. Teachers interested in applying for 2025 can submit their ideas starting in April. Through the Bright Ideas grant program, Piedmont Electric continues its dedication to empowering the next generation through education and community support.
To learn more, visit ncbrightideas.com and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
2024 Bright Ideas Grant Winners
| Teacher Name | Grant Title | Students Affected | Curriculum Area |
| Joseph Sharp | Mock Archaeological Dig | 600 | Social Studies and Science |
| Jessica Cecchini | Hand-made Power | 100 | Art |
| Robert Ballard | Bandolero | 120 | Automotive CTE |
| Tara Dollyhigh | Holocaust Museum | 225 | English language arts, Social Studies |
| Elizabeth Nall | Clear as Buttermilk: Water Quality in Focus | 200 | Environmental Science |
| Richard Kozak | Whiteboarding In Mathematics | 100 | Math |
| Catherine Reyes | Structure and Speed: Engineering Design Challenges | 24 | Design and Engineering |
| Willman Henriquez | Bringing Equity in STEM | 300 | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) |
| Gloria Bermeo-Ortiz | K-2 Writing Journals | 200 | Literacy |
| Whitney Williams | Continuing Outdoor Education | 400 | All subjects |
| Dory Newkirk | Kids Can Grow | 500 | STEM and Agriculture |
| Sandra Goodwin | For the Love of Reading | 291 | Reading & Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) |
| Jasmine Johnson | The Gamechangers Experience: Making Gains through Playing Games | 70 | Math, Science, Reading, 21st Century Skills |
| Heather Franklin | Playful Building at N.L. Dillard Middle School | 60 | Career & Technical Education |
| Andrea Alice Anika | Sensory Garden for N. L. Dillard Middle School | 15 | Life Skills & Science |
| Maggie Booterbaugh | New Hope Elementary Community Outdoor Classroom | 540 | Math, Science, Literacy, SEL |
| Ashley Barringer | Creating an Inclusive STEM Library for All | 550 | STEM |
| Ryan Moretz | “Disc”-overing the Fun of Disc Golf! | 360 | Physical Education |
| Mauriah Smith | Full Steam Ahead with Multicultural Books! | 400 | Media |
| Katie Louhoff | Hands-On Learning For the Win! | 400 | School Counseling |
| Samantha Kelly | Interactive and Inclusive Learning | 50 | Academics, Functional Skills, SEL |
| Kelly Richards | Microscopes | 160 | Science |
| Amanda Haney | Every Child, Every Day | 335 | Life Skills & School Counseling |
| Michael Gilbert | Partnership Academy’s Sensory Garden and Beautification Project | 60 | Science and SEL |
| Robin Smith Leissner | When the Lightbulb Comes On! STEM Projects for All Students | 350 | STEM |
| David A Jones | The New 3D! Deliberate Detailed Dedication | 120 | CTE Automotive Services |
| Ashley Bailey | Models and Data and Science, Oh My! | 110 | Science |
| Stephanie Rimmer Spencer | Making Math Magical with Magnetic Tiles | 25 | Math |
| Elizabeth Sinnott | Magnifying Microscopic Marvels | 60 | Science/Math |
| Valerie Bratton | Stream Dynamics: Navigating the Flow of Science! | 180 | Physical, Life, Earth Sciences |
| Hilary Moore | The Outdoor Classroom of Stoney Creek | 150 | Science, Math, Arts, Literacy |
| Casey Evans | Waiting for the Biblioburro (Traveling Library) | 140 | Reading & Media |
| Amanda Bedo | Mad Scientist Glow Show | 400 | STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, Mathematics) |