Two Lexington County School District Three teachers–Stephanie Shealy of Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School and Leslie Campbell of Batesburg-Leesville High School–were surprised on Wednesday, October 7th with the exciting news that they had been selected as recipients of a Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Bright Ideas Grant to support innovative classroom projects that will enhance student learning.
Each October, MCEC awards approximately $20,000 in grants to Midlands-area teachers to help supplement school resources and bring creative classroom projects to life. This year, Mrs. Shealy received a $500 grant, while Mrs. Campbell was awarded $1,000.
Mrs. Shealy’s project will launch a student-operated coffee cart at B-L Elementary School. Her project is designed to provide students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to develop essential life skills while promoting social interaction, inclusion and independence.
Through operating the coffee cart, students will practice real-world math skills by counting money, making change and tracking transactions. They will also strengthen their literacy and listening skills by reading order slips, labels and recipes or instructions. In addition, students will learn about hygiene, inventory management, safe food and drink handling, and maintaining a clean workspace.
The project will also emphasize communication, time management and interpersonal skills as students practice greetings, good manners, and active listening.
Mrs. Campbell’s project will introduce Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA) into the environmental science curriculum at B-L High School. Through the development and management of an indoor hydroponics laboratory, students will gain hands-on experience in sustainable food production, resource conservation and emerging biotechnology.
The project will connect environmental science concepts learned in the classroom to real-world applications, allowing students to explore how technology can address modern agricultural challenges. It will also prepare students for emerging careers in green technology.
Congratulations Mrs. Shealy and Mrs. Campbell…..and thank you MCEC!