As co-president of our local chapter of retired school employees and as chair of the education Grant committee, one of the things I get to do is present a grant to a deserving teacher. One of the missions of our organization is to continue to promote and support excellence in teaching so each year we make a grant available to one school district in our region.
Because there are 9 districts within our region we rotate so there is a 9 year gap between when a district is eligible and its name comes up again. I contacted the assistant superintendent of this year’s eligible district Susquehanna Township, to explain the grant and to seek her help in getting the information out to her teachers and staff. The nice thing about this grant is that anyone who works for the district can apply, not just teachers.
Because of remote learning and the added stress and workload placed on teachers because of the teaching situation I wasn’t sure if anyone would take the time to fill out the application. I am glad to say someone did.
On Monday, Kathy and I went to the Susquehanna Township school board meeting in Harrisburg to present a $400.00 check to Mrs. Katrina Fry. Mrs. Fry teaches a third grade class in the district and she is going to use the grant to purchase flexible seating for her students.
This will include adjustable tables, stools, floor mats, and clipboards. I am sure her students will benefit greatly from her purchases and her room arrangement. Congratulations Mrs. Fry.

Wonderful work! So glad she asked and so glad you could deliver for her. I love this tribute to paying it forward.
That is something our organization enjoys doing.
This is wonderful! This will be something the teacher and students clearly appreciate. The things purchased with this money will bring joy and help with the learning.
That is our hope in awarding her the grant.
How great!
Yes. We are happy to do this every year.
How exciting!! Also, super fun that you get to be part of this. I’m glad she took advantage of the opportunity despite such an odd school year.
I, too, am glad she decided to apply for the grant.
Total fun and enjoyment. $ and recognition!
YAY!
This is one way we like to recognize excellence in education.
There is nothing that proves the adage, “It’s better to give than receive” than this type of award. You get to be the benefactor without any pain, and the joy in those eyes (crinkling above the masked smile) real payment. Working on a scholarship granting committee was one of my favorite former roles. Way to go!
It is a joy to hand a check to a deserving teacher each year. Makes me glad I took on the role of Ed Grand Chair for our group.
What fantastic work! I am sure that this is such rewarding work for you! Bravo
It does always feel good to give back to a deserving teacher.
This is so very exciting! How wonderful it is to hear some GOOD news. How great it must feel to be the BEARER of said good news. Thank you for a slice that made me smile today.
I can’t wait to see the pictures she is going to send when she gets her room set up.
This is wonderful, Bob. My association also gives monetary awards to teachers and principals. I love hearing about the winning projects. I especially like how your PA teacher is spending her money. Students do benefit from flexible seating. PS: You look very dapper for the presentation event.
Thanks, Carol. I think my mask clashed with the duckies on my tie. 🙂
What a nice thing for retired teachers to do. It’s a great gift!
We also give awards to one teacher and paraprofessional each year. We feel strongly about recognizing excellence in education.
Oh this is wonderful. I know she was so happy and appreciative of the grant, especially now. I hope you show pics of the room once it’s done.
I will definitely share when she sends pictures.
So good of her and I am glad you are able to continue what you have been doing.
I am glad she applied han has a plan to put the grant to good use.
What a wonderful idea for what to purchase with that grant! And what fun to be able to hand out money to a deserving teacher!
I am looking forward to the pictures she will send when her room is set up.