Grants to Local Teachers

Lexington, SC 11/09/2026 - Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative is recognizing local educators for their creativity and dedication to education after awarding a record number of Bright Ideas grants this October.

The cooperative awarded grants supporting 27 classrooms in 19 schools throughout its service territory.

The funding will help teachers bring innovative classroom projects to life and provide students with opportunities to learn in new and exciting ways beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Since launching the Bright Ideas Grant Program, Mid-Carolina Electric has awarded more than 200 grants to educators across its service area.

The program supports creative projects in subjects such as science, technology, literacy and the arts, giving teachers additional resources to make learning more engaging for students.

“We want to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Bob Paulling, president and CEO of Mid-Carolina Electric. “Supporting education and our educators is one of the best investments we can make.

Bright Ideas gives us the opportunity to support local educators and assist them in providing students with creative learning opportunities.”

Among this year's grant recipients are educators from schools throughout Lexington and surrounding counties, including Airport High School, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary and High Schools, Beechwood Middle School, Brookland-Cayce High School, Cayce Elementary School, Irmo High School, River Bluff High School and several other schools.

The 2026 Bright Ideas grant recipients include:

• Molly Currin – Airport High School

• Wendy Price – Ballentine Elementary School

• Stephanie Shealy – Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School

• Leslie Campbell – Batesburg-Leesville High School

• Whitney Jordan, Casey Monette and Paulette Norris – Beechwood Middle School

• Haley Williamson – Brookland-Cayce High School

• Amanda Mills – Cayce Elementary School

• Kylie Cathcart and Sherry Clapp – Center for Advanced Technical Studies

• Ashley Gross – H.E. Corley Elementary Leadership Magnet

• Kayla Williams – Harbison West Elementary School

• Kimberly Shealy – Hollywood Elementary School

• Ashley Evans and Catina Thomas – Irmo High School

• Kim Taylor – Lexington Technology Center

• Kelli Rooks and Kelly Parker – Midway Elementary School

• Jessica Kelly – Northside Middle School

• Jennifer Gibbons – River Bluff High School

• Meredith Miller-Rikard and Kayla Hite – Saluda Elementary School

• Tiffany Cashatt, Chelsea Thomas and Ali Stigall – Saluda Middle School

• Paul Duggan – Seven Oaks Elementary School

Bright Ideas grants are available to kindergarten through 12th-grade educators in Lexington County School Districts One, Two, Three and Five, as well as Saluda County School District. Teachers can apply for funding to support innovative classroom projects that encourage creativity, engage students and promote educational success.

Each fall, Mid-Carolina Electric celebrates grant recipients by visiting schools throughout its service territory to personally deliver the awards.

The visits often come as a surprise to teachers in front of their students and colleagues, creating a special opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication.

The cooperative says the annual tradition reflects its ongoing commitment to education and the communities it serves.

Educators interested in applying for a 2027 Bright Ideas grant or learning more about the program are encouraged to watch for future announcements at www.mcecoop.com.

About Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative

Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility serving rural communities throughout Lexington, Richland, Saluda, Aiken and Newberry counties.

The cooperative provides electric service and innovative solutions to approximately 62,000 meters across a 4,500-mile distribution system.

Its mission is to deliver dependable energy, innovative solutions and exceptional service while enhancing the quality of life for its members and strengthening the communities it serves.

Pictured are 2026 Mid-Carolina Electric Bright Ideas grant recipients. The annual grants fund innovative projects in science, technology, literacy, the arts and more, helping teachers introduce creative approaches to learning and giving students new ways to engage.