26 educators receive grants for innovative teaching projects

Grants of nearly $20,500 will help 26 Lexington Two educators with innovative projects in their schools.


Colonial Life awarded the funds as part of its Strong Schools grant program. The program supports Lexington Two teachers who have innovative and creative ideas for increasing student engagement. Teachers applied to receive grants of up to $1,000 to purchase equipment and resources that support lessons focused on world-class knowledge and skills and life and career characteristics as outlined in the Profile of the S.C. Graduate.

“All partnerships are important to public education,” said Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. William B. James Jr. “The partnership between Colonial Life and Lexington District Two is especially important because of the human capital involved. Colonial Life provides grant funding to teachers, but more than funds, Colonial Life provides human contacts who are knowledgeable, and are advocates for education.”


Colonial Life’s program is an important investment in education.


“Providing these mini-grants to classroom teachers is one way Colonial Life invests in supporting educators to help prepare students for a lifetime of success,” said Colonial Life community relations manager Marie McGehee.  “Strong Schools grants help bridge the gap between school budgets and teachers’ personal expenses to offer innovative approaches to hands-on, project-based learning opportunities.”

Grant recipients, who were recognized at an August 17 luncheon, include:

Airport High: Thomas Bosse

Cayce Elementary: Kimberly Addy, Blair Flora, Caroline Mobley, Lauren Tinman

Congaree Elementary: Janette Babcock

Congaree/Wood Early Childhood Center: Kali Kolb, Melanie Yoder

Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy: Robin Gerzema, Hunter Reese, John Rogers

Herbert A. Wood Elementary: Kyrsten Fandrich, Angie Sanders

New Bridge Academy: Suzette Brunson, T. Lynn Moseley

Pine Ridge Middle: Amanda Chapman

R.H. Fulmer Middle: Aaron Brazier, Alexis Deese-Smith, Jessica Zearfoss

Riverbank Elementary: Tracy Floyd, Mary Koon, Ashley Robles, Sherry Wright

Saluda River Academy for the Arts: Melissa Drew

Springdale Elementary: Susan Jenkinson, Michelle Tynes

In four previous years of the program, Colonial Life has funded nearly $100,000 to Lexington 2 and Richland 1 educators through the Strong Schools grant program.

“Supporting education is a pillar of our community relations work at Colonial Life,” said Tim Arnold, president and CEO of Colonial Life. “Our company and our employees are committed to supporting today’s students and educators with the tools they need to prepare students to thrive in a 21st century workforce.”