The Valley Alliance for Education hosted its annual Creative Classroom Grants Celebration last night at Blue Ridge Community College in the Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center.
The event highlighted the innovative spirit of local educators and their commitment to enhancing educational experiences.
For 2024, the Valley Alliance for Education awarded 29 Creative Classroom Grants for the 2024-2025 school year, with a combined value of $34,480. The grants were distributed among 35 dedicated teachers from 20 different schools, and will impact more than 4,000 students in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.
The grants are designed to support a range of creative and enriching classroom projects, aiming to foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Last night’s event also recognized the outstanding Teachers of the Year from Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. Each of the exemplary educators was honored with a $1,000 school grant, generously sponsored by Mary Baldwin University. The recognition underscores their exceptional contributions to education and dedication to their students.
“Tonight’s celebration is a testament to the incredible work being done by our educators and the support of our community. We are thrilled to be able to provide these grants and recognize the outstanding teachers who make a difference every day,” Valley Alliance for Education President Elizabeth Fravel said.
Classroom Grant Winners
CTE and the Exploratories: Music, Art, and PE
- Educate and Regulate in the Zen Den – Sarah Torrens and Kathryn Higgins
- Fresh Prints of the Library Media Center – Remixed – Ashleigh Houff
- Art in Bloom: Transforming Spaces, Nurturing Minds – Aubrey de Cheubell
- Advocating for Agriculture – Kristin Beery
- Cosmic Collaboration – David Durham
- You Can SEW Do This! – Leslie Banta
- Printmaking Your Mark! – Leslie Banta
- Robo Builders “Spike” up Your Education – Lisa Troxell
- Creative Choices in Filmmaking – Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Humanities: Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies
- Don’t lose your head – A study of the French Revolution – Cathy Holland
- Reading is FUNdamental in French class – Cathy Holland
- Live from our School Studio! – Kristi Rhodes and Faith Robinson
- GLOW and GROW – Julie Isles
- Cafe Library: A Hub for Culture and Communi-tea Engagement – Ashleigh Houff
- Lifelong Literacy – Kynndal Hartt
- Our Community Pen Pals – Sara Linhares
- Creating wonderful readers with Wonderbooks! – Amanda Hall
- Tender Loving Care – Stephanie Mullaney
- Enriching Background Knowledge for English Language Learners – Angela Lafon and Sasha Allen
Math, Science, and Technology
- Skywatchers: Exploring Weather Patterns – Crystal Hostetter
- Use of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering in the High School Setting – Madison Allen
- Math Fact Fluency Lab – Caitlin Blanchard
- Taking STEAM to Bright & Buzzing New Heights! – Julia Urban
- Storm Rockets – Brett Peters
- Growing Together: An Ongoing Horticulture & Community Project – MaKennah Moore, Brian Edwards
- Evaluating Virginia’s Aquatic Ecosystems – Kristin Trover
- Cultivating Curiosity with our Hydroponic Garden System – Nikki Parks
- How Do Concrete Experiences in Science Translate to a Greater Understanding? – Bailey Morris’
- School Garden Fund – Jessi Shiflet
The following schools were also awarded a $1,000 School grant in honor of their divisional teacher of the year achievements:
- Shelburne Middle School in honor of Staunton City Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year Stacy Mooneyham
- Stewart Middle School in honor of Augusta County Public Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year Blair Hoffman
- Wayne Hills Preschool Center in honor of Waynesboro Public Schools 2024 Teacher of the Year Adreanna Sprouse
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Rebecca Barnabi
