Area school teachers were recently awarded Bright Ideas grants from North East Mississippi Electric Power Association and NE SPARC.

Ten local educators were selected after submitting an online application and being judged by an independent selection process. These educators secured funds for their creative and innovative classroom projects.

Teachers from Lafayette, Oxford, Pontotoc, and Union County school districts received the nearly $5,000 awarded through the Bright Ideas program that will enrich the education of hundreds of children.

“The Bright Ideas grant program helps us live out one of our core cooperative principles concern for the community. We deeply value the dedication and hard work of our local educators, and this grant is a small way for us to show our appreciation,” said Sarah Brooke Bishop, Communications and Marketing Manager for NEMEPA, NESPARC. “The best part is surprising the winning teachers and schools in person with the award—it’s always such a fun and rewarding moment.”

This is the third year, NEMEPA and NE SPARC distributed grants of up to $500 to public school teachers teaching K through 12th grade in their service territory. All classroom subjects are eligible for funding, including but not limited to STEM, language arts, and social studies.

Teachers with a bright idea submit an online form when applications are open.

This year’s local winners include:

• Briana Brown, Oxford Intermediate School
• Ceresa Caudill, Oxford Intermediate School
• Mimi Shaw & Laurie Beth Ellis, Della Davidson Elementary
• Robin Hess, Lafayette Elementary School
• Margo Parker, Lafayette Elementary School
• Mary Beth Smith, Lafayette Middle School

The 2025 Bright Ideas grant application form will open in July 2025. For more information, visit www.nemepa.org/brightideas.