The Decatur ISD Education Foundation’s "Surprise Squad" brought a wave of excitement to McCarroll Middle School this March, awarding a total of $19,431.82 to support a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. These grants will fund everything from outdoor learning spaces to specialized arts equipment and student-led book clubs.
The Recipients:
Kimberly Naumann, Kristen Svajda, & Samantha Goins: $5,082.94 for "Bright Futures Outdoors" (Funded by Roy & Jeannine Eaton)
Caleb Hessert: $3,000.00 for "The Tools of the Trade" (Funded by the Cocanougher Foundation)
Amy Dunn, Amy Thornton, LeAnna Mosley, & Kara Womble: $2,850.00 for "Mentor Book Clubs: Building Literacy and Connection During Lunch" (Funded by Jennifer Vaughan)
Alfredo Laurel & Joshua Lang: $2,400.00 for "Interactive Board" (Funded by DEF Donors)
Ginger Dillard, Eric McNiel, Eric Lawson, & Caleb Hessert (MMS & DHS): $2,398.99 for "Sound Investment" (Funded by the Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation)
Kristina Mercer: $1,049.89 for "Picture the Possibilities" (Funded by Stephens, Bastian, & Cartwright)
Ginger Dillard, Eric McNiel, Eric Lawson, & Caleb Hessert (MMS & DHS): $1,000.00 for "Every Voice Belongs in Music" (Funded by DEF Donors)
Dede Diaczenko & Gunnar Parker: $850.00 for "Crowd-Pleasing: Pottery and Cyanotypes" (Funded by Troy & Sandra Bagwell; Kevin & Julie Haney; Andrew & Jessica Lara)
Dede Diaczenko, Karen Hughes, & Chance Walther: $800.00 for "Cultural Connections" (Funded by Danny & Eileen Cross)
"McCarroll Middle School serves a critical age group, and these grants reflect a commitment to keeping those students engaged and inspired," said Monique Bird, Executive Director of the Decatur ISD Education Foundation. "Whether it’s clay in the art room or a mentor book club, our donors are helping these educators create a school culture where every student can find their niche."