Twenty-five Lexington Two educators have been awarded $20,000 in grants from Colonial Life as part of its Strong Schools Grant program.

Teachers applied to receive grants of up to $1,000 to purchase equipment and resources that support lessons focused on world-class knowledge and skills and life and career characteristics as outlined in the Profile of the S.C. Graduate. The teachers were honored at a luncheon at the Innovation Center, on Thursday.

“We are excited to have such a long-standing partnership with Colonial Life,” said Dr. William B. James Jr., superintendent of Lexington Two. “Colonial Life’s investment of human capital as well as financial support is exemplary.

“The Strong Schools Grants program has enabled our teachers to implement creative initiatives beyond the normal curriculum and provided our students with numerous learning opportunities.”

Colonial Life is awarding 23 mini-grants to these 25 Lexington Two teachers:

Airport High: Amanda Altman, Mary Elizabeth K. Owen, Odaliz Martinez-Cruz and Stephanie Bailey
Brookland-Cayce High: James Brown
Congaree Elementary: Lorri Wood
Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy: John Hunter Reese
New Bridge Academy: Beverly Rucker, Suzette Brunson and T. Lynn Moseley
Pine Ridge Middle: Amanda Chapman and Maggie Cusey
Fulmer Middle: Alexis Deese-Smith, Jessica Jeffers Goings and Jessica Zearfoss
Riverbank Elementary: Kim Addy, Brittany Staples, Brooke Jones, Kathy Siebert and Sherry Wright
Springdale Elementary: Kim Gibson, Sherry Page and O’Neta Poovey
Wood Elementary: Sarah Weatherly and Karen Williams

“Supporting education is a pillar of who we are as a community leader and our corporate social responsibility work at Colonial Life,” said Tim Arnold, president and CEO of Colonial Life.

“With the help of our employees, we are committed to supporting today’s students and educators with the tools needed to thrive in a 21st century workforce.”

In five previous years of the program, Colonial Life has funded nearly $120,000 to Lexington Two and Richland One educators through the Strong Schools Grant program. The grants are administered with the help of the United Way of the Midlands.