Christian County Public Schools celebrated innovation in the classroom last week as the CCPS Education Foundation awarded $7,000 in Bright Ideas Grants during a special presentation at the Board of Education on Wednesday, October 22.
The Bright Ideas Grants program provides up to $500 per project to help educators bring creative, hands-on learning experiences to students. This year, the Foundation received 24 applications, with 14 projects selected for funding.
Angie Major, Executive Director of the CCPS Education Foundation, said all CCPS employees are eligible to apply for a Bright Ideas Grant, and noted this initiative empowers their educators to think creatively, while providing unique learning experiences that directly benefit students.
A panel of independent judges—including former and current educators and administrators—reviewed the proposals and selected the winning projects based on innovation, educational value, and student impact.
2025 Bright Ideas Grant Recipients include:
Crofton Elementary: From Eggs to Chicks, Seeds to Sprouts – Christina Morris and Up Then Down – Darrell Grace.
Freedom Elementary: Math Mania – Mary Beth Lacy.
Millbrooke Elementary: Pages of the Past: Literacy as a Lens to Jamestown – Robin Crosby.
South Christian Elementary: Friendship Library Community Journal – Ashlee Campbell.
Christian County Middle School: Fill-Up Friday Coffee Cart – Jennifer Belcher.
Hopkinsville Middle School: Bringing the Boom to Boomwhackers – Gena Ann Parker.
Christian County High School: Farrow and Grow – Jacob Jaworski and Sensory Room – Mary Akin.
Hopkinsville High School: Local Agri-Science Fair (Supplies) – Leah Thomas.
Gateway Academy: Soundproofing Student Success – John Richards and Gateway Finale Welding Sculpture – John McNulty.
And two District-Wide Projects: Let’s Move in School – Stephanie Harton, and Tiger Chill – Aubrey Durbin.
Major said the Foundation looks forward to seeing how this year’s projects inspire both students and teachers across the district.
