2017 Bent Tree Foundation Grants
by Debbie Davis
On October 12, 2017, Jesse Hunter, Chair of the Bent Tree Foundation and Nancy Davis, Secretary of the Bent Tree Foundation, presented ten grants to Pickens County administrators and educators at five Pickens County schools totaling over $10,000. The funds were raised through a variety of fundraising events including the Longest Day of Golf, Wines of the World and the generous donations of many Bent Tree residents. Each of the grants was personally presented to the school administrators and educators for implementation during the 2017-2018 academic year.
At Pickens High School, the recipients included Sharon McCoy for her project entitled “Catch the Wave”. Her grant purchases equipment for meeting the new Georgia Science Standards of Excellence. This grant was funded by Nancy Davis in honor and memory of her husband, Dr. Monte Davis, professor Emeritus at Georgia Tech. Jenna Shaw, also of Pickens High School, received a grant for “Print Your Words!” to purchase an in-class Google cloud enabled printer. Christi Hobgood of Pickens High was awarded a grant for “Operation Sound” to purchase headphones for their Google Chromebooks. Also, from Pickens High, Counselor Marjorie Poss and Suzette Hermann received a grant for “Youth in Government Scholarships” to send students to the Georgia State YMCA Youth Assembly.
Pickens Middle School Educator, Thomas M. Brooks, Sr., received a grant for “3D Design and Printing” to purchase a new Maker Bot Replicator +. Nancy Davis, funded in part this grant in memory and honor of Dr. Davis. Dwight Pullen, also from Pickens Middle School, received a grant for the Wood Working Shop to purchase wood working equipment.
From Jasper Middle School, Cynthia Swisher received a grant to attend the National Science Teachers Association (NASTA) conference. Once again, Nancy Davis funded this grant in honor and memory of her husband, Dr. Monte Davis.
Two educators from Hill City Elementary received grants. Suzanne Hardison received a grant for a “Media Center Makerspace: Let’s Learn to Code,” which will help establish a space to create things and foster problem solving. Jenny Wehunt received a grant for “I’ve Got Rhythm!” to buy more rhythm instruments.
Representing Harmony Elementary School, Jennifer Czarowitz was chosen to receive a grant for “Egg-ceptional Observations” so her first graders can investigate, collect data and document observations of the life cycle
In addition, the Bent Tree Foundation would like to thank the Bent Tree Foundation Grant Review Committee members and former educators Tim Long, Linda August and Nancy Davis for their dedication and review of the 2017 grant applications on behalf of the Foundation.