The Yadkin County Education Foundation Fund of the Shallow Ford Foundation has awarded 12 Creative Classroom Grants totaling $23,975 to dedicated Yadkin County educators. Now in its third year, the Creative Classroom Grants support creative classroom projects designed to enhance student engagement, encourage curiosity, and expand meaningful learning opportunities across the county.

In April, members of the Yadkin County Education Foundation advisory board surprised teachers in their classrooms with ceremonial grant presentations, sharing the exciting news that their proposals had been selected for funding. Awarded through a competitive application process, the grants will support both individual and collaborative projects during the 2026–2027school year.

The following educators and projects were awarded Creative Classroom Grants:

Boonville Elementary School – Ashley Golden
Tactile, center-based learning kitssupporting individualized instruction and student independence aligned withNorth Carolina academic standards.

Boonville Elementary School – Rosanna Laws and Dorsey Smith
School-wide shared reading experience strengthening literacy, social-emotional learning, and positive school culture.

Courtney Elementary School – Tasha Summers
Hands-on science materials encouraging active investigation, curiosity, and deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

East Bend Elementary School – Kimberly Caudle and Melissa East
Indoor STEM classroom providing hands-on exploration during instruction, encore classes, and indoor recess.

Fall Creek Elementary School – Stephanie Todd, Lauren Faircloth, Melissa East, Joanie Vaughn
Expanded outdoor classroom and STEM resources promoting curiosity, collaboration, and garden-based learning across grade levels.

Starmount High School – Whitney Tomlin
Play-based preschool learning centers introducing future educators to hands-on, developmentally appropriate teaching strategies.

Starmount Middle School – Sarah McNeely
Printmaking resources supporting creative expression and access to professional-level art tools and techniques.

Starmount Middle School – Kelly Rierson
Student-centered ELA learning centers fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and deeper critical thinking.

Starmount Middle School – Grace Wells and Melanie Watson
Inclusive music opportunities connecting EC students with peers while building confidence and a sense of belonging.

West Yadkin Elementary School – Vanessa Brown
Hands-on phonics activity pouches supporting independent practice in reading and writing sounds.

West Yadkin Elementary School – Kayla Matthews and Crystal Brown
School-wide shared reading experience strengthening literacy, social-emotional learning, and community connection.

Yadkinville Elementary School – Julie Russell
Accessible listening center using screen-free audio to support language development and inclusive independent learning.

Yadkin County Schools Superintendent Anthony Davis emphasized the value of this sustained community investment: “The Yadkin County Education Foundation supports innovative classrooms across Yadkin County Schools, empowering educators to bring creative ideas to life. These efforts help ensure students are prepared for future careers, with strong community partnerships playing a vital role in that mission. Through its continued investment, the Yadkin County Education Foundation provides critical funding that enhances classroom opportunities and strengthens educational outcomes for all students.”

Melanie Watson and Grace Wells, teachers at Starmount Middle School, share their excitement about the grant: “I feel both honored and excited that The Shallowford Foundation has provided our students this opportunity to work together again.  The United Sound program has been such a wonderful experience! Our students have grown as musicians but also gained friendships that they treasure!  It has promoted inclusivity all across our campus. United Sound has also given our parents experiences that they didn't think would be possible for their children. Thank you doesn't feel sufficient!”

Advisory board member Karen Matthews Ferguson shared her reflection on the classroom surprise visits: “What an exciting day to be in Yadkin County Schools. The teachers were surprised and so appreciative of the grant support, and they immediately shared with their students how the funding will enhance their classrooms. The students clapped, the teachers smiled, and I even got a few hugs from the children. Best day ever.”

The Yadkin County Education Foundation advisory board is composed of community leaders and partners committed to strengthening public education throughout the county, including: Jon Bowman(Peace Haven Baptist Church), Anthony Davis (Superintendent, Yadkin County Schools), Chandra Davis (Marvin’s Garage Doors), Joe Doll (Farm Bureau, Jonesville), Kenny Gooden (Union Grove Baptist Church), Jennifer Hemric (Compassion Care Center), Jennifer Johnson (Three Magnolias Financial Advisors and Board Chair, Shallow Ford Foundation), Amanda Key Shore (PREMIERE Group at Real Broker, LLC), Jennifer Z. Smitherman (Live Like Norah, Inc.), Glenda Wingler (CW Electric Co., Inc.), Sharon Yale (AstraZeneca and Yadkin County Board of Education), and Karen Matthews Ferguson (Active Community Volunteer and Education Advocate).

Community support makes these Creative Classroom Grants possible. To help continue investing in Yadkin County educators and students, consider making a gift to the Yadkin County Education Foundation Fund at www.sff.gives/ycef.