The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

November 19, 2009

EPS Foundation surprises teachers with 35 funded grants

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer

Enid Public School Foundation granted 35 wishes Thursday as representatives visited Enid’s schools and surprised many teachers with grants.

The foundation received 65 grant requests and was able to fund 35 of them.

“The grants range anywhere from reading, math and science to music and art,” said Annie Dillingham of EPSF. “There are also a few for media centers and counseling.”

The 35 grants funded came to a grand total of $15,106.06.

The foundation spent the day Thursday visiting each school and surprising the recipients with checks for their grant projects.

“Grant delivery day is so much fun,” said Dillingham. “It’s fun to be a part of something that is positive for the teachers and students.”

Grants funded are chosen by an anonymous committee.

Teachers who received grants were Lori Leap of Adams Elementary School, Gloria Buckles of Monroe Elementary School, Jamie Aguilar of Adams, Wendy Jantzen of Longfellow Middle School, Alyssa Plummer and Shawna Tanner of McKinley Elementary School, Mary Starks of Glenwood Elem-entary School, Gretchen Cole-Lade of Enid High School, Brandianne Green of Glen-wood, Eddie Lou Strimple of Glenwood, Gayla Heinrichs of Emerson Middle School, Charla Enns of EHS, Joan Dodds and Jamie Aguilar of Adams.

Also, Varna Nolen of Longfellow, Karla Johnson of Longfellow, Jenny Lang of Taft Elementary School, Susan Shewey of Taft, Cheila Armour or Monroe, Linda Snodgrass of Garfield Elem-entary School, Marquita Dickinson of Hayes Elem-entary School, Debbie Turner and Sharon Meister of Garfield.

Also, Debbie Turner of Garfield, Jan Martin and Jenny Gwinnup of Taft, Barbara Baker of Waller Middle School, Jennifer Hennigh of Hoover Elementary School, Lori Painter of Monroe, Stephanie Yunker of Waller, Michelle Gilliam of Waller, Melissa Dwyer of Glenwood and Brandy Fincher of Adams.

“The teachers that submitted grants that were not funded should not be discouraged,” said Dillingham. “These grants can be resubmitted to the grant committee again.”