Celebrating Innovation: GEF Invests $72,000 in Local Classrooms

On Monday evening, March 30, the Germantown Education Foundation brought together educators, partners and supporters at Bobby Lanier Farm Park to celebrate one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the announcement of its annual teacher grant recipients.

The setting matched the spirit of the evening. Tables featured potted plants grown by Houston High’s agricultural science program, and guests enjoyed a meal catered by the district’s food service partner, SFE. Thoughtful touches included handwritten notes from the Houston Hugs Club, herb butter crafted by Forest Hill’s Farmers Club and baked treats from Houston Middle’s Cooking in 202 class.

In total, GEF awarded $72,144.11 in annual grants this year, funding innovative, classroom-driven ideas across six schools. Each grant reflects a simple idea: when teachers have the tools to bring ideas to life, students benefit.  

The foundation also awarded more than $20,000 in mini-grants throughout the year. Mini-grants are requests of less than $500 and are awarded monthly. Annual grants, which exceed $500, are awarded once each year.

“These grants are about empowering teachers to bring their ideas to life in meaningful ways,” said GEF Executive Director Joni Hester. “When we invest in educators, we’re investing directly in student success across every school.”

A Closer Look at This Year’s Grants

Riverdale Elementary

• REAL Raiders Read: Book Vending Machine (Erin Odershaw) — $8,420

Dogwood Elementary

• Fin-tastic Dolphin Screen (Angela Martin & Dana Guntharp) — $11,753.81

Farmington Elementary

• TV Studio & Creative Media Equipment Upgrade (Trevor Nanney) — $9,795

Forest Hill Elementary

• Publish a Book Written by a Teacher & Student (Paige Browning) — $1,000
• Triple Shoot Basketball Structure (Michael Stratton) — $1,61
• STEM Supplies (Kyle Dawson) — $4,020.31

Houston Middle School

• Enhancing Math Instruction with Dry-Erase Tables (Lindsay Herrera) — $12,273.12
• Hydroponic Growing System for FCS (Andrea Starks) — $1,739
• Instrument Try-Out Kits (Spencer Nesvick) — $3,200
• Special Needs Playground Enhancements (Alissa Betchick) — $7,826.87

Houston High School

• Stang Studio Mobile Store (Timothy Fowler) — $8,000
• Student-Directed Theater Production: True West (Kell Christie) — $2,500

For many educators, the evening was about more than funding. It was about possibility.

At Farmington Elementary, Trevor Nanney shared how updated media equipment will enhance student learning. “We’re using equipment that’s five or six years old,” he said. “Working with new tools and better quality helps us teach students how to create and communicate at a higher level.”

At Forest Hill, Coach Michael Stratton is introducing a new way to get students moving during recess, adding an element of fun and activity through interactive play equipment.

Also at Forest Hill, Kyle Dawson said his grant will improve livestream capabilities that help families better connect with classroom experiences with proper video equipment, and expand opportunities for students to create, including the use of 3D printers that will also benefit the school financially, allowing them to create in-house 3D printed items to sell on their book cart each morning. Mr. Dawson would also like to send a special thank you to Stacy Norske for “helping me use this opportunity to replace our non-functional 3D printers."

Across campuses, a common theme emerged: learning by doing.

At Houston High, Craig Juneau described how the Stang Studio Mobile Store will grow into a student-run enterprise blending design, marketing and business. “We want students working together across programs,” he said. “Not just sitting and listening, but creating, producing and learning by doing.”

For Paige Browning at Forest Hill, the grant supports student voice and creativity. Her project will lead to the publication of a student-illustrated children’s book, turning a classroom idea into something lasting and real.

“It’s really special that GEF trusts teachers to dream a little and then helps make it happen,” one educator shared during the evening.

The Germantown Education Foundation continues to play a key role in bringing these ideas to life. By investing in teacher-driven innovation, GEF helps classrooms stay dynamic, relevant and engaging. That impact was clear on a spring night at the Farm Park, surrounded by good food, great company and even better ideas.