Nine proposals awarded 2021 Spring Grant from the Westerville Education Foundation


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New clubs to support student needs, school garden projects and an African-American Read-In are among the nine proposals awarded a 2021 Spring Grant from the Westerville Education Foundation (WEF). 

The grants, which total $15,791, support innovative and creative projects that enhance education for students in Westerville City Schools. The WEF funded more than $24,000 in projects last fall.

WEF grants are supported by the foundation’s general grant fund, Alliance Data Card Services and the Dr. George Tombaugh Fund. 

The WEF’s 2021 Spring Grant recipients include:

  • Culinary Club/Science Club - Jody Christy and Richard Heeron, Westerville Central High School

$550; Teaching students how to prepare simple, inexpensive home-cooked meals

  • Family Engagement: Continuing to Bring Families Together - Brandi Young, Westerville South High School

$640; Post-COVID re-engagement for students and their families through learning various musical instruments and playing various family games

  • Global Games - Jennifer Cole and Debbie Pellington, Heritage Middle School

$736.10; Purchase of Global Games unit to provide year-long, cross-curricular learning opportunities through game play

  • After School Homework Club - Tracy Price, Fouse Elementary

$2,975; Provide bus transportation for students, particularly English Learners, who need the additional support that is provided by After School Homework Club

  • Hang Time Social Skills Club - Sarah Painter and Cassondra Wilson, Westerville North High School

$1,595; Purchase of event tickets and access to BrainPOP to help teach social skills to students who have special needs  and to help them earn their Student Engagement graduation seal

  • Black Voices Production - Matt Wolfe, Westerville South

$5,000; Promoting the arts and showcasing productions that represent black/brown plays written by black women and feature a diverse cast. Costs include theatrical rights, production materials, and various technical support.

  • Longfellow School Garden - Kristin Potter, Longfellow Elementary

$3,000; Purchase materials to grow and maintain a school garden to help teach English language proficiency and science, particularly for English Learners

  • Huber Garden Project - Kaylee Reese, Ashley Dias and George Victory, Huber Ridge Elementary

$795; Purchase materials to grow and maintain a school garden to help teach practical skills, and to encourage team building and inclusion, particularly for Emotional Disturbance (ED) students.

  • African-American Read-In - Lee Rutherford and LaTresa Rieves, Blendon Middle School

$500; Making literacy a significant part of Black History Month by building community, bringing awareness and understanding, and building conversation around diverse texts, especially African-American texts.