Hands-on learning powered by Bright Ideas

Luana Palimetakis’ classroom at W. J. Gurganus Elementary School is filled with keyboards, BoomWhackers, recorders, rhythm sticks, and, most importantly, excited students.

Palimetakis is a four-time Bright Ideas Education grant winner and it is those grants, funded by Operation RoundUP, that have helped her to fill her classroom with a large selection of instruments and materials that are used across grades K-5.

Palimetakis’ 2022-2023 grant, “Hands-On Music Learning,” provided funding to purchase activities and materials for hands-on work in the classroom. “Not all of our learning revolves around singing and instruments,” said Palimetakis. “Many times, before we can use the instruments, we have concepts to learn that transfer to playing and singing. These manipulative materials allow us to work on these concepts in different ways that allow all types of learners a chance to practice their skills.”

Palimetakis’ students know that fun things are in store when a new Bright Ideas check is displayed in her classroom. They also share in the excitement when grant materials arrive, taking part in the unboxing of items that were purchased specifically for their use. The students understand the work that goes into writing the grant, and they take ownership in the care and maintenance of the instruments and materials so that they can be used for many years by other students.

“If it were not for the Bright Ideas grants that I have received, my music classroom would be a lot less interactive and engaging,” said Palemetakis. “The support provided through Bright Ideas and Operation RoundUP has allowed me to offer so much variety to my students that I feel they receive a more complete music education while at our school. I love that the Bright Ideas program is open to educators in all subject areas, reiterating the fact that all content is important to help our students grow and expand their horizons.”

2023-2024 Bright Ideas

The co-op is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Bright Ideas Education Grant Program. Educators can apply for grants of up to $1,000 to fund projects that would not otherwise be funded through school budgets.

CCEC and the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation will award more than $26,000 to local educators. Teachers can apply individually or as a team, and grants are available for projects in all subject areas.

Since the program began 29 years ago, the co-op has awarded $589,000 in grants for 802 projects benefitting more than 152,500 students.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15. To learn more and apply for a Bright Ideas grant, visit ncbrightideas.com.

Community college scholarships available

Whether you are new to college, looking for a new career, or planning to transfer to a four-year university, a community college scholarship from the Carteret-Craven Electric Foundation can help you meet your education goals.

The foundation will award scholarships valued at up to $1,000 each to four local community college students attending college in the fall of 2023.

Students can earn $250 a semester for a total of four semesters of study. Scholarships will be awarded according to need and merit. To be eligible, the applicant must live at a residence that is served by the cooperative.

Hurry! The application deadline is April 28. Visit ccemc.com/Scholarships for more information and to apply.

Since 1999, the foundation has awarded more than $56,000 in community college scholarships.

Thursday, May 4

Glad Tidings Church, Morehead City

Doors open at 5 p.m. • Business meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Join us for:

 A delicious meal

 Energy information booths and displays

 Musical entertainment by local school groups

Stay 'til the end for a chance to win:

 Up to $1,000 in free electricity

 A retired co-op vehicle

 One of several cash prizes