Bright Ideas Grants Awarded to Local Educators by Blue Ridge Electric

Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383, Ext. 3213; or E-mail: Renee Whitener

Boone, North Carolina (November 13, 2009) – As part of its commitment to local education, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation presented Bright Ideas grants totaling more than $3,500 to four educator teams during a luncheon ceremony at the cooperative’s district office.

Bright Ideas is an academic grants program sponsored by Blue Ridge Electric in conjunction with North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and its 26 other member electric cooperatives. Bright Ideas grants help further traditional academic learning by funding innovative scholastic projects that go beyond available school funding.
Watauga County grant winners are:

James Eichmiller, of Watauga High School, for “Clickers for the Classroom.” This grant of $1,200 will benefit 100 high school students. The clickers are remote personal response systems that enable students to answer questions anonymously, with the goal of encouraging higher student participation in the classrooms.

Allyson McFalls and Kathy Moore, of Blowing Rock Elementary School, for “Environmental Library” to benefit 360 students. This grant of $544 will fund literature and resources for student and teacher access to support a K-8 science curriculum which now includes an environment component.

Patty Buckner and Pat Warren, of Bethel Elementary School, for “Creative Center City” to benefit 21 students. This grant of $375 will benefit first grade students by purchasing materials for learning centers so that students can explore and discuss scientific and mathematical concepts. Students will also learn to work together and independently to build their critical thinking skills.

Terri Miller, Tim Walker, Will Selle, Joy Pritchett, Beth Winkler and Judd Pinnix of Green Valley Elementary School, for “Strike Up the Band” to benefit all Watauga County 7th and 8th grade band and string students. This $1,500 grant will help the students receive training in a one-day clinic and conduct a free public performance demonstrating their skills.

For the 2009-2010 school year, Blue Ridge Electric received ninety-one Bright Ideas grant applications from schools in its service territory in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Avery and Wilkes County. Funds totaling $18,852 are being awarded to 20 classrooms and teachers to benefit thousands of area students, teachers, schools, and communities. Blue Ridge Electric is celebrating its 16th year of offering Bright Ideas grants as part of our support and commitment to education. To date, Blue Ridge Electric has awarded over $286,000 and provided direct funding assistance that has impacted over 80,000 students. Blue Ridge Electric is part of several North Carolina electric cooperatives providing Bright Ideas grants. Together, these entities have provided over 7 million dollars for North Carolina teachers and students.

To learn more about the Bright Ideas grants program, visit Blue Ridge Electric’s web site at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com or contact your local Blue Ridge Electric office.