In a show of support and investment in education, the Dewar Public School Foundation presented more than $31,000 in grants this week to teachers and staff members across the district, celebrating innovation, creativity and commitment to student enrichment.
A total of $31,702.55 was awarded to faculty and staff members who submitted proposals for a wide range of educational projects and classroom initiatives. The presentation highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to fostering meaningful learning experiences for students of all grade levels in Dewar.
“This is a big moment for Dragon Nation,” the school announced in a celebratory message, underscoring the deep gratitude felt by the community for the Foundation’s generosity and impact.
— A Diverse Range of Projects Funded The grants support initiatives spanning across subjects such as science, technology, literacy, math, journalism, agriculture, and the arts, reflecting a school-wide culture of creativity and hands-on learning. Below is a breakdown of the awarded projects and their recipients:
• Angel Wallace – Harvesting Knowledge
• Gabrielle Leader – Dragon Digital Media Class Equipment Upgrade, Enhancing Creativity & Productivity, Enhancing Journalism Through Technology • Peggy Reynolds – Junior Achievement BizTown, The Outsiders Musical
• Brooklyn Cowan – Agriculture in the Classroom: Hands-On Learning Project, Reading Beyond the Page: Elephant Learning Experience, Hands-On Life Skills & Global Connections
• Debbie Wion – Hands-On Science Museum Adventures, Exploring Nature & Science: Pumpkin Patch
• Angela DeTurk – Pumpkins, Plants & Practical Learning: A 3rd Grade Field Experience
• Keith Furer – Building Skills Through Shop: Student-Made Coops, Feeders & Storage
• Patricia Withrow – Pumpkin Patch Field Trip, Discovery Lab Field Trip
• Susan Chowins – Small Need, Big Impact, Get Sticky! Making Bubble Gum, 4th Grade STEAM: Tin Can Robot Project
• Sherri Duke – Learning with Privacy & Movement (also recognized alongside Deana Bias as grant recipients) • Carlie Wheeler – Enhancing Student Literacy Through Multimedia Creation, Building a Balanced High School English Library
• Joi Taylor – Digital Tools for Growing Minds • Amber Brison – Enhancing Literacy • Baylor Selby – Math in Motion
• August Ross – Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum
• Dawn DeBock – Benjamin Franklin Classroom Part V, Zoologists for a Day
• Kellie Rowe – Creating Inclusive Learning Environments with Noise-Canceling Headphones
• Ana Bery – Math in Motion
• Michael Kindell – Matching Chairs for Band
• Mary Stephens – Elementary Chop Saw, Novel Effect Community Reading Project
• Ella England – Hear Our Voices: Loud & Proud
• Dusti Stotler – Journeys of Empathy & Resilience: A Reading Series The awarded grants will allow teachers to implement new programs and projects that would otherwise fall outside the standard school budget, enhancing both academic rigor and student engagement.
From immersive field trips to innovative STEAM projects, and from digital media production to the construction of practical agricultural tools, each funded project reflects a passionate commitment to providing Dewar students with the tools and experiences needed to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
The Foundation’s investment not only celebrates the teachers’ hard work in crafting thoughtful and creative grant applications, but also sets a powerful example of community partnership and long-term vision.
The grant presentation was a moment of celebration throughout the school community, as administrators, educators and students alike recognized the significant support being funneled directly into classrooms and hands-on programs.
With this latest round of funding, the Dewar Public School Foundation continues to play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape in Dewar – fueling innovative teaching methods, building critical life skills in students, and fostering a vibrant school culture centered on opportunity and excellence.
The entire community applauds the Foundation’s generosity and the teachers’ initiative, as these projects promise to deliver lasting educational value and empower students for years to come.
